FOURTH ACTION PLAN National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 - Australian Government Department ...
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FOURTH ACTION PLAN
National Plan to Reduce Violence against
Women and their Children 2010–2022
An initiative of the Commonwealth,
state and territory governmentsFOURTH ACTION PLAN
2019-2022
CONTENTS
© Commonwealth of Australia 2019
ISBN–978–1–925318–91–3
Copyright notice - 2019
Foreword1
This document Fourth Action Plan—National Plan About the Fourth Action Plan 3
to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children
2010–2022 is licensed under the Creative Commons The Fourth Action Plan — at a glance 5
Attribution 4.0 International Licence Turning the corner 7
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
Achievements of the National Plan 8
Licence URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Gender equality: the key to ending violence against women and their children 8
by/4.0/legalcode A path to reducing violence 10
Please attribute: © Commonwealth of Australia Continuous improvement in community knowledge and attitudes 13
(Department of Social Services) 2019
An increase in reporting 14
Notice: Fourth Action Plan national priorities 17
1. If you create a derivative of this document, the
National Priority One: Primary prevention is key 19
Department of Social Services requests the following
National Priority Two: Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
notice be placed on your derivative: Based on
Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Social women and their children 21
Services) data. National Priority Three: Respect, listen and respond to the diverse lived
experience and knowledge of women and their children affected by violence 25
2. Inquiries regarding this licence or any other use of National Priority Four: Respond to sexual violence and sexual harassment 31
this document are welcome. Please contact: Branch
National Priority Five: Improve support and service system responses 35
Manager, Communication Services Branch, Department
of Social Services. Phone: 1300 653 227. International context 39
Email: communications@dss.gov.au Links to broader Australian policy reforms 43
Notice identifying other material or rights in Performance monitoring, reporting and evidence 49
this publication:
Governance52
Certain images and photographs (as marked)
— not licensed under Creative Commons Stakeholder engagement 54
Glossary of terms 55
References61
IIDEDICATION
The Fourth Action Plan is dedicated to
the countless women and children who
are victims and survivors of violence,
to those who are left to rebuild, and
to those who have lost their lives. It is
for the women whose stories continue
to inspire our work and drive us to
do more. We celebrate those people
and organisations who work tirelessly
with, and for, all women affected by
violence and acknowledge their ongoing
contributions to eradicating violence
against women and their children. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The National Plan is an initiative of the Commonwealth,
state and territory governments. We acknowledge the
traditional owners of country throughout Australia,
and their continuing connection to land, water and
community. We pay our respects to them and their
cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
SUPPORT
Help is available if you, or someone you know,
is experiencing violence. In the case of an
emergency call 000. For information, support
and counselling contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
or visit www.1800respect.org.au. This service is free,
confidential and open 24 hours a day.
III IVFOREWORD WORKING TO STOP VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR
The second generation impacts from violence
against women and their children are estimated
to cost the Australian economy $333 million
CHILDREN each year.9 Recent research shows that many
Australians still hold attitudes and beliefs that
People’s knowledge and understanding of tolerate or excuse violence. For example, some
THE NATIONAL PLAN violence against women and gender equality
has increased.3 With the development of Change
Australians believe women use claims of violence
to gain tactical advantage in their relationships
Ten years ago, the National Council to Reduce For this reason, the National Plan is being the Story4, Australia became the first country in with men.10
Violence against Women and their Children delivered through a series of four three-year action the world to implement a shared policy framework
(2008–09) produced Time for Action: the National plans that will build on each other over time. This across national, state and territory governments Ending violence against women and their children
Council’s Plan to Reduce Violence against Women document sets out the Fourth Action Plan, the final dedicated to the primary prevention of violence starts with promoting gender equality and respect
and their Children 2009–2021.1 This provided the action plan in the series. against women and their children. for all. Strong and growing international evidence
blueprint for the National Plan to Reduce Violence confirms the severity of violence against women
against Women and their Children 2010–20222 Despite this progress, many women still and the key role of addressing gender inequality
The National Plan’s vision is an Australia
(the National Plan), which was endorsed by the experience violence every day in Australia. Every to prevent and reduce this violence.11
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and free from all forms of violence and abuse two minutes, police are called to a domestic and
family violence matter.5 Every day, 12 women are All levels of government, business and the
released in February 2011. against women and their children. community must commit to long-term, continuous
hospitalised due to domestic and family violence.6
The 12-year National Plan aims to connect Every nine days, a woman is killed by a current action and investment to stop violence before it
This is every woman’s and child’s right, and
the important work being done by all Australian or former partner.7 The overall economic cost starts, and support women and children when
everyone’s responsibility. Violence against
governments, community organisations and of violence against women and their children they need it. All Australians have a role to play in
women and their children is a matter that requires
individuals to ensure that each year, fewer women in 2015–16 was $26 billion, with victims and the places we live, work, learn, play and interact,
commitment from everyone — all governments,
experience violence and more women and their survivors bearing approximately 50 per cent of including when online.
Ministers, sectors, and members of our
children live safely. The National Plan recognises community. Since its release, all governments that cost.8
that violence against women and their children is have increased efforts and investment to reduce
a complex problem that requires a long-term plan violence against women and their children.
of action.
DELIVERING THE NATIONAL PLAN The Third Action Plan: Promising Results
2016–201914 further strengthened the evidence
The National Plan is being delivered through base and national data collections, providing
a series of four three-year action plans that the basis for the trials of new and innovative
have built on each other over time. approaches in early intervention, and crisis
responses.
The First Action Plan: Building a Strong
Foundation 2010–201312 laid a strong foundation This document sets out the Fourth Action Plan:
for long-term change. This included the Turning the Corner 2019–2022, the final action
establishment of national-level infrastructure plan in the series.
to inform future policy and service delivery and
to engage the community in reducing violence As the final action plan of the National Plan
against women and their children. is released, now is the time to reflect, learn,
and take further action.
Under the Second Action Plan: Moving Ahead
2013–201613, jurisdictions committed to the This Fourth Action Plan sets out an ambitious
national prevention campaign, Stop it at the but practical agenda to achieve change, by:
Start, the development of a primary prevention • improving existing initiatives
framework to share understanding of preventing • addressing gaps in previous action plans
violence, an expanded research agenda and • providing a platform for future policy to reduce
National Outcome Standards for Perpetrator domestic, family and sexual violence.
Interventions.
1 2ABOUT THE FOURTH
ACTION PLAN STATEMENT FROM DELEGATES AT THE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN
GOVERNMENTS SUMMIT ON REDUCING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
AND THEIR CHILDREN, 2018
‘
COAG Summit delegates called on • We must improve systems so women
First Ministers for specific action in the and children are safe.
This is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, and where following areas: • We must change the behaviour of people
we’re going in our efforts to achieve a significant and sustained reduction who choose to use violence.
• We must invest in primary prevention
in rates of violence against women. Although we know there is still a
‘
long way to go, it is also time to celebrate the passion and commitment
and early intervention to stop violence
at its source.
• We must make reducing violence
• We must respect the needs of children and
young people as individuals.
• We must learn from what’s working,
of the sector working toward the National Plan goals. be flexible and tailor our approaches.
everyone’s business.
• We must listen to lived experience First Ministers agreed the COAG
Ms Libby Lloyd AM, Chair of the former National Council to Reduce Violence and respect cultural knowledge. statement would inform the Fourth
against Women and their Children, speaking at the 10th Anniversary of the release
of Time for Action (10 May 2019)15 • We must acknowledge and better Action Plan. See the full statement
respond to the unique experiences at the COAG website.
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
women and children.
• We must respond better to sexual
The Fourth Action Plan continues to support The priority areas represent the range of violence, as a form of domestic and
the six overarching National Outcomes that all responses needed to tackle domestic, family family violence and as a separate crime.
governments are working towards over the life and sexual violence: from primary prevention to
of the National Plan (see bottom of pages 5–6). improving service and support systems.
It has been devised through extensive The Fourth Action Plan commits to leaving
consultations with hundreds of people affected no one behind. It recognises the need to
by violence, and the people working to stop it. respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
These consultations culminated in the National
Summit on Reducing Violence against Women
communities and listen to the diverse lived
experiences of people affected by violence
GUIDE TO THIS ACTION PLAN
and their Children, held in October 2018. across all of our responses.
This action plan is written for governments,
policy makers, specialist organisations and
The Fourth Action Plan sets out eight principles Commonwealth, state and territory
members of the community sector. It provides
to guide the way all industries, sectors and governments will develop a national
people working in support services or individuals
areas of government work together to address implementation plan over 2019 that will
affected by domestic, family and sexual violence
domestic, family and sexual violence. outline how governments will deliver actions
with an overview of the national policy response to
These principles inform 20 practical actions across and measure their impact to address the
reduce violence against women and their children.
five priority areas. national priority areas.
Technical terms are explained in the Glossary
at the end of the publication on page 55. If
readers are interested in finding out more, the
References on page 61 provide details of all
cited publications and websites.
For more information, go to
www.plan4womenssafety.dss.gov.au
3 4FOURTH ACTION PLAN - AT A GLANCE
FOURTH ACTION PLAN PRINCIPLES
A holistic approach to working
The voices of Aboriginal and Actions must be evidence-based
Where children are involved, System and service responses with perpetrators of domestic,
Reducing violence against We must address gender Torres Strait Islander peoples We must address the diversity and help build an understanding
responses must be age must work to end the cycle of family and sexual violence is
women and their children is inequality to stop violence – must inform responses to the and lived experiences of women of what works to respond
appropriate, child-centred, and violence, keep people safe and needed across all actions –
everyone’s business and we women will never be safe if family and sexual violence and their children affected effectively to, and prevent,
tailored to their specific needs prevent domestic, family and informing prevention,
all have a r ole to play they are not equal experienced in their by violence violence against women and
and stages of development sexual violence deterrence, rehabilitation, and
communities their children
ensuring accountability
NATIONAL PRIORITIES NATIONAL PRIORITIES
RESPECT, LISTEN AND
SUPPORT ABORIGINAL AND IMPROVE SUPPORT
RESPOND TO THE DIVERSE RESPOND TO SEXUAL
PRIMARY PREVENTION TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AND SERVICE SYSTEM
LIVED EXPERIENCE AND VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL
IS KEY WOMEN AND THEIR RESPONSES
KNOWLEDGE OF WOMEN HARASSMENT
CHILDREN
AND THEIR CHILDREN 16 Enable workforces to provide
trauma-informed support with a
1 Advance gender equality and respect 6 Value and engage the expertise of AFFECTED BY VIOLENCE 13 Prevent sexual violence and sexual focus on safety and recovery to
for women through effective primary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander harassment before it happens victims and survivors of domestic,
prevention initiatives. women and men, communities through national and targeted family and sexual violence.
10 Implement community-led and
and organisations to lead in the tailored initiatives to address the initiatives that promote informed
2 Improve coordination across primary creation and implementation of consent, bodily autonomy and 17 Collaborate across services, sectors
unique experiences and needs of and workforces to ensure responses
prevention activities to maximise community-led solutions to build communities affected by multiple respectful relationships.
their impact on community attitudes and manage change. to women affected by domestic,
forms of discrimination or inequality. family and sexual violence are
and behaviours that lead to violence. 14 Deliver client-centred,
7 Build the workforce capability trauma-informed, specialised coordinated, meet women’s needs,
11 Deliver policies and services to avoid women having to retell their
3 Implement targeted primary to ensure delivery of high quality, address the disproportionate impact and consistent support to victims
prevention activities designed holistic, trauma-informed and and survivors of sexual violence. story and promote their recovery.
of violence on particular groups.
by, and tailored for, the specific culturally safe supports that respond
communities they are intended to the complex needs of Aboriginal 15 Strengthen the capacity of all sectors 18 Improve access to and embed
12 Better equip the service system trauma-informed support for
to support. and Torres Strait Islander women and communities to address to address sexual harassment to
and their children. ensure women are safe at work, perpetrators of domestic,
complex forms of violence and family and sexual violence to
4 Address intergenerational trauma for harmful cultural practices including while studying, in public and online.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 8 Develop innovative and alternative prevent reoffending and promote
early and forced marriage, female rehabilitation and treatment.
peoples through primary prevention, models for victim and perpetrator genital mutilation/cutting, dowry
including holistic healing strategies, support that contribute to safe abuse and human trafficking.
and by strengthening connections healing and sustainable behaviour 19 Build the evidence base to inform
to culture, language, knowledge change. responses to domestic, family and
and identity. sexual violence by strengthening
9 Address both the immediate impacts the focus on what works to reduce
5 Promote healthy and safe and deep underlying drivers of family violence, improving data and
relationships and b
uild gender violence in Aboriginal and Torres supporting the Fourth Action Plan
equitable values through initiatives Strait Islander communities through priorities.
for children and young people. collective action with governments,
service providers and communities. 20 Improve access to suitable and
safe accommodation within their
communities for women who have
experienced domestic, family and
sexual violence.
NATIONAL PLAN OUTCOMES NATIONAL PLAN OUTCOMES
Services meet the needs o
f Perpetrators stop their
Communities are safe and Relationships are Indigenous communities Justice responses are
women and their children violence and are held to
free from violence respectful are strengthened effective
experiencing violence account
5 6TURNING ACHIEVEMENTS
OF THE NATIONAL PLAN • Many men are taking a leadership role to
THE CORNER
promote gender equality, raise awareness,
and contribute to positive changes in the
Ending violence against women and their children
attitudes and behaviours that lead to and
is a complex, long term goal. It will take years of
condone violence against women and
continuous effort to end violence. As we move into
their children.
the Fourth Action Plan there are clear indicators
that show that, as a nation, we are on the right path • COAG agreed to the National Outcome
‘
to achieve this goal. Standards for Perpetrator Interventions,
setting out the practice standards and
Family violence is still an epidemic and it will be for some time. The National Plan provides all levels of government performance indicators for perpetrator
— Commonwealth, state and territory, and interventions to be used by all governments
It is a serious abuse of human rights in our advanced and privileged
local — with a comprehensive strategy to drive and community partners.
culture and must continue to be addressed as an absolute priority, by both
our Federal and state governments, and by our current leaders, as they
‘ lasting change. Over the last 10 years, all areas of
Australian society have shown commitment and
leadership to tackle the complex issue of violence
• Improved data and analysis have led to a
better understanding of the experiences of
hard-to-reach and marginalised women.
also recognise the impact family violence has on their workplace. against women and their children.
Rosie Batty AO, family violence advocate, Australian of the Year 2015 (24 January 2016)16
This approach allows every sector, institution, GENDER EQUALITY: THE KEY TO
organisation and community to help end violence
against women and their children. Ending violence
ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
against women and their children is everyone’s AND THEIR CHILDREN
business — every day, more sports clubs,
schools, faith communities, local councils, Both men and women can be perpetrators of
small businesses, media and corporations violence. Yet, overwhelmingly the people who
demonstrate this through positive and carry out domestic, family and sexual violence
proactive action. are men, who commit violence against women.17
Since 2010, the National Plan has delivered There is no single cause of violence against
many achievements: women and their children; however, gender
inequality sets the stage for such violence
• Australia’s National Research Organisation for to occur.
Women’s Safety (ANROWS) was established as
the independent national research organisation Evidence shows that the key beliefs and
to produce and share evidence for policy behaviours relating to gender that drive violence
makers and practitioners. against women are:
• Our Watch was established as the national centre • condoning of violence against women
of excellence for primary prevention
• men’s control of decision-making and limits
to lead efforts to prevent violence and drive change
to women’s independence
in the culture, behaviours and power imbalances
• stereotyped constructions of masculinity
that lead to violence against
and femininity
women and their children.
• disrespect towards women, and male
• Organisations at the local and national levels
peer relations that emphasise aggression
are collaborating better to ensure women’s
(see Figure 1 on next page).18
needs and safety are prioritised and addressed
by expert services.
• Respectful relationships projects have been
95% of all victims of violence
delivered to young people through schools
and education programs.
(women or men) experience
violence from a male perpetrator.
Source: ABS, Personal Safety Survey.
7 8Other factors, such as drug and alcohol use,
mental health and poverty, may also interact
Gender inequality affects everyone in a negative
way, including men. For example, men are less
A PATH TO REDUCING VIOLENCE The path to change is not linear, and some things
may appear to get worse before they get better.
with, or reinforce, gender inequality and likely to seek professional help or talk about their Counting on change: A guide to prevention In the medium term we expect the demand for
contribute to increased frequency and severity problems with friends or family, and this can have monitoring23 provides guidance on tracking short, response services (such as counselling services
of violence against women and their children.19 devastating consequences.22 medium and long term progress towards the and legal support) will increase, as barriers to
However, these factors do not drive violence in prevention of violence against women and their accessing services are reduced, and people’s
and of themselves. Gender equality works to benefit everyone children at a national level (see Figure 2). It tells us understanding of violence against women
by addressing these limitations and that we need to effectively address and respond to improves.
For example, we know the systematic harmful stereotypes. the drivers that cause violence against women and
discrimination and ongoing trauma experienced their children to reduce, and ultimately end, this In the long term, violence against women and
in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander violence. their children is expected to decrease.
communities plays a big part in how communities
experience violence20 and people who have In the short term, we must put in place quality This will happen as:
experienced violence as children may be more programs and infrastructure (such as • women have greater independence and
prone to experiencing or inflicting violence an expert workforce and systems to ensure decision-making power
as adults.21 coordination) to increase gender equality, • traditional gender roles are less rigidly enforced
and promote equal and respectful relationships. • more people have the skills and desire to create
positive, equal and respectful relationships.
FIGURE 1: GENDER DRIVERS AND REINFORCING
FACTORS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
1 in 3
Reinforcing factors — within the context of gendered
drivers — can increase frequency or severity of violence:
GENDER DRIVERS 5 Condoning violence in general
Experienced physical violence
Particular expressions of gender inequality
consistently predict higher rates of violence 6 Experience of, and exposure to, violence
against women:
7 Weakening of pro-social behaviour, especially harmful
1 in 5
use of alcohol
1 Condoning of violence against women
8 Socio-economic inequality and discrimination
Men’s control of decision making and limits to
2 9 Backlash factors (increases in violence when male
Experienced sexual violence
women’s independence in public and private life.
dominance, power of status is challenged)
3 Rigid gender roles and stereotyped constructions
1 in 6
of masculinity and femininity
Male peer relations that emphasise aggression
4
and disrespect towards women
Experienced physical and/or sexual violence
by a current or previous cohabitating partner
HIGHER PROBABILITY OF
Source: ABS, Personal Safety Survey.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Source: Our Watch, Change the Story
9 10FIGURE 2: EXPECTED PROCESS OF CHANGE IN VIOLENCE
5
AGAINST WOMEN OVER TIME
Lifetime prevalence will
only start to decrease in
the very long term.
Lifetime prevalence of violence against women
12-month prevalence of violence against women
4
12-month prevalence of
violence against women will
remain static in the short and
3 medium term, but will begin to
decrease with improvements in
s gender equality and reductions
rvice Counter-intuitively, demand for
e se in the drivers of violence.
spons response services will increase
l re
r forma in the short and medium term
fo
and as prevention infrastructure
Dem
improves, awareness increases,
and women feel more supported
to seek help.
in the
u ctions
Improvements in gender equality and re d omen
c e a g ainst w
drivers and reinforcing factors of violen 2
Strengthened infrastructure
ntion and programming leads to
t s in preve ms
n ra measureable improvements
p roveme e and prog
Im
struc
tu r against the drivers and In time, prevention infrastructure and
infra reinforcing factors of programs are strong and high quality.
1 violence against women. Levels of investment plateau, with a
view to ensuring continuous learning and
Prevention infrastructure and maintaining quality of infrastructure.
programming are strengthened.
MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM
6–10 years 10+ years
Source: Our Watch and ANROWS, Counting on Change: A guide to prevention monitoring
11 12CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT • Young people aged 16–24 years26: AN INCREASE IN REPORTING In 2018–19, first response counsellors answered
over 163,000 contacts, a growth of 66 per cent
- have a good knowledge of key aspects
IN COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE of violence against women Over the last 10 years, the number of women from the preceding year.30
AND ATTITUDES - support gender equality seeking help through formal services, including
contacting police, has increased significantly, even The prevalence of violence against women in
- reject attitudes supportive of violence Australia remains largely unchanged. In 2005,
In recent years, the Australian community’s though there has been no increase in the overall
against women approximately 1.5 per cent of women aged
knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards rate of violence occurring.
- say they would act or would like to act 18 years and over had experienced partner
violence against women and their children have
if they witnessed abuse or disrespect This indicates that: violence in the previous 12 months, while in
improved. These changes have been captured
of women. • The quality and availability of support services 2016 the figure was 1.7 per cent.31
as part of the National Community Attitudes
towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS).24 is increasing, as is women’s trust in them.
While there has been significant progress, Encouragingly, the gap between prevalence rates
This is the world’s longest-running survey of it is also important to acknowledge the need for • Community awareness of violence against and reporting rates is diminishing as more women
community attitudes towards violence further work. women and their children is growing. than ever are feeling able to seek help and support.
against women. • The stigma associated with being a victim
This is demonstrated through the following and seeking help is decreasing.
The 2017 NCAS25 found: NCAS27 findings:
• Most Australians do not endorse violence against • There is a continuous decline in the number In 2017–18, 1800RESPECT, the national sexual
women. of Australians who understand that men are assault and domestic and family violence
• Most Australians support gender equality and are more likely than women to perpetrate domestic counselling service, answered 98,466 first
more likely to support gender equality in 2017 than violence (down from 86 per cent in 1995 to response telephone and online contacts.
they were in 2013 and 2009. 64 per cent in 2017). This was a 54 per cent increase from
• Australians are more likely to understand that 2016–17.28 Trauma specialist counsellors
• Two in five Australians believe that gender
violence against women involves more than just answered 27,968 contacts, a 102 per cent
inequality is exaggerated or no longer
physical violence in 2017 than they were in increase from 2016–17.29
a problem.
2013 and 2009. • One in five Australians believe domestic
• Australians are less likely to hold attitudes that violence is a normal reaction to stress, and
support violence against women in 2017 than that sometimes a woman can make a man so
they were in 2013 and 2009. angry he hits her without meaning to.
1.5 million
• If confronted by a male friend verbally • Two in five Australians believe that women make
abusing his female partner, most Australians up false reports of sexual assault in order to
say they would: punish men. 528,800
- be bothered (98 per cent)
These findings provide a focus for future action
- act (70 per cent)
and investment.
1.5 million (1 in 6) women have experienced
- feel they would have the support of all physical violence by a partner, compared to
or most of their friends if they did act 528,800 (1 in 17) men.
(69 per cent).
Source: ABS, Personal Safety Survey.
13 14VICTORIA’S ROYAL COMMISSION STOP IT AT THE START
INTO FAMILY VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN
The Royal Commission into Family These strategies included a sustained focus Stop it at the Start 35 is the national Importantly, evaluation research shows
Violence32 was established in 2016 in the on: effective ways to stop perpetrators, primary prevention campaign to reduce the campaign is already starting to have
wake of a series of high-profile deaths prevention of violence, early intervention, violence against women and their children. an impact.
related to family violence in Victoria. recovery and resilience. It encourages adults to reflect on their
attitudes and have conversations about More people now understand the link
The Royal Commission was tasked with The Royal Commission made a total of respectful relationships with young people. between disrespect and violence against
identifying the most effective ways to: 227 recommendations in its March 2016 women. Further, 70 per cent of people
report,33 and the Victorian Government Aimed at the adults who influence young recalled an element of the campaign,
• prevent family violence
publicly committed to implementing each people aged 10–17 years — such as with 60 per cent of those taking action —
• improve early intervention
of these. In fact, as of January 2019, parents, family members, teachers, such as starting a conversation about
• support victims 120 of the recommendations had been coaches, community leaders and employers respect or changing behaviour towards
• hold perpetrators accountable implemented.34 of young people — the campaign shines others. This means that 42 per cent of all
• develop and refine system responses a light on the role each of us plays in people in a position of influence took action
While based in Victoria, the Royal influencing respectful behaviour. as a result of the campaign.
• better coordinate community and
Commission has resulted in increased
government responses
public awareness of domestic and family The response to the campaign has
• evaluate and measure the success of violence at the national level. far exceeded expectations:
strategies, frameworks, policies, programs
• The television commercials were viewed
and services. As a result, there has been a focus on
over 45 million times online.
ensuring that relevant strategies, programs,
The Royal Commission recommended services and approaches: • The website received 1.3 million
strategies to transform Victoria’s approach page views.
• recognise the diversity of victims and
so as to: • There were over 68,000 downloads
survivors’ experiences
• better reflect the experience of victims of key resources, such as a guide
• prioritise their needs.
and survivors to help influencers start a
• be responsive to their needs conversation about respect.
• ultimately prevent this violence from
occurring in the first place.
15 16FOURTH ACTION PLAN THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES INFORM ALL PRIORITY AREAS
AND ACTIONS UNDER THE FOURTH ACTION PLAN
NATIONAL PRIORITIES
Reducing violence against women and Actions must be evidence-based and
their children is everyone’s business help build an understanding of what
and we all have a role to play. works to respond effectively to, and
prevent, violence against women and
We must address gender inequality to their children.
stop violence — women will never be safe
if they are not equal. System and service responses must work
to end the cycle of violence, keep people
The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait safe and prevent domestic, family and
Islander peoples must inform responses sexual violence.
to the family and sexual violence
experienced in their communities. A holistic approach to working with
perpetrators of domestic, family and
We must address the diversity and lived sexual violence is needed across
experiences of women and their children all actions — informing prevention,
affected by violence. deterrence, rehabilitation, and
ensuring accountability.
Where children are involved, responses
must be age appropriate, child-centred,
and tailored to their specific needs and
stages of development.
17 18NATIONAL PRIORITY ONE FIGURE 3: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRIMARY PREVENTION AND OTHER WORK
TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN
PRIMARY PREVENTION
IS KEY TERTIARY
TERTIARY PREVENTION OR RESPONSE
Supports survivors and holds perpetrators to account
(and aims to prevent the recurrence of violence)
‘ We have to create a society that is more equal in terms of gender
‘
equality, and one that better reflects our diversity and difference, and in
doing that we will actually come to address some of the key drivers of
SECONDARY
SECONDARY PREVENTION OR EARLY INTERVENTION
Aims to ‘change the trajectory’ for individuals at higher-than-average
risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence
violence against women and children in the first place.
Natasha Stott Despoja, Our Watch, Board Chair (15 April 2019)36 PRIMARY PREVENTION
PRIMARY Whole-of-population initiatives that address the
primary (‘first’ or underlying) drivers of violence
Prevention is the most effective way to eliminate violence
against women and their children, and that is why it is at
the core of the Fourth Action Plan.37 Primary prevention Source: Our Watch, Change the Story
means stopping violence before it occurs. It means
changing the behaviours and norms, in all areas of society, Primary prevention is significant because out Responsibility for the prevention of violence
that excuse, justify or even promote violence against of the three levels of prevention, it has the against women must move from being the focus
women and their children. Figure 3 outlines the distinction potential to have the largest impact on reducing of a small but dedicated specialist sector, to
between primary prevention and other work to address the prevalence of violence against women and become a core priority for all industries and areas
violence against women and their children. their children.38 Secondary (early intervention) of government. From health and other service
and tertiary prevention — while essential — are providers, to police and justice systems, to
unlikely to significantly reduce the rates of violence workplaces and communities — every Australian
against women and their children on their own.39 has a part to play.
ACTIONS
1. Advance gender equality and respect 4. Address intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal
for women through effective primary and Torres Strait Islander peoples through
prevention initiatives. primary prevention, including holistic healing
2. Improve coordination across primary strategies, and by strengthening connections
prevention activities to maximise their impact to culture, language, knowledge and identity.
on community attitudes and behaviours 5. Promote healthy and safe relationships and
that lead to violence. build gender equitable values through initiatives
3. Implement targeted primary prevention for children and young people.
activities designed by, and tailored for,
the specific communities they are intended
to support.
19 20NATIONAL PRIORITY TWO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women,
children and communities continue to experience
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
must be supported to make choices that will
disproportionately high rates of violence.41 protect and promote their own and their families’
SUPPORT ABORIGINAL AND Discrimination, racism and intergenerational
trauma are some of the significant drivers that
impact Indigenous women.
long-term physical, emotional and cultural
safety if they are to break the cycle of trauma
and violence.
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER WOMEN These drivers are exacerbated by factors
including:
The Fourth Action Plan recognises that preventing
AND THEIR CHILDREN
and responding to family violence starts with a
• alcohol and substance abuse recognition of individual, family and community
• mental health issues strengths. It provides greater support for the work
already being progressed within Aboriginal and
• inadequate housing and overcrowding
Torres Strait Islander communities focussed on
• poverty
effective prevention. This is achieved by prioritising
‘
• unemployment cultural healing, rebuilding proud traditions and
• lack of access to culturally competent services.42 support networks, and strengthening Aboriginal and
Women have been clear that they and their families must play a key role Torres Strait Islander identity.
in decision-making. Indigenous peoples must be acknowledged as equal We must be clear that family violence is not part
of Australian culture, or Aboriginal and Torres The level and impact of family violence in
and indispensable partners in designing policy and legislative frameworks
that enable diverse solutions, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
‘ Strait Islander culture. Culture and family is a
central and key protective factor that supports
communities to be free of violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
is far more prevalent and severe compared to that in
non-Indigenous communities (see Figure 4).
communities to determine their own futures, on their own terms.
June Oscar AO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (25 June 2019)40
FIGURE 4: COMPARISON OF FAMILY VIOLENCE BETWEEN
INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS FAMILIES
RELATIVE TO NON-INDIGENOUS WOMEN,
INDIGENOUS WOMEN ARE:
32 3.4 11
TIMES MORE LIKELY
to be hospitalised from
TIMES MORE LIKELY
to experience
TIMES MORE LIKELY
to die due to assault
family violence43 sexual assault44 (approximately)45
21 22During the COAG National Summit on Reducing Solutions to address violence must effectively Governments must facilitate community-led and While responding to the immediate impacts of
Violence against Women and their Children, engage and equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait co-designed delivery of services with Aboriginal family violence is a significant priority, efforts
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates Islander women in decision-making processes and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Increased must also prioritise improved outcomes in justice,
told us that this higher rate of violence stems that affect their lives. Service providers and capacity of resources and high standards of health, housing, employment and education.
from deep issues around dispossession, governments must work with Aboriginal service are essential to ensure services are Service providers and agencies outside of the
intergenerational trauma and gender inequality.46 and Torres Strait Islander peoples and with equipped to respond to the underlying complex family violence sector must also be equipped
We also heard from many delegates about how community-controlled organisations to develop issues such as trauma, disability and remoteness to take a greater role in driving this change so
the impact of past government practices and more solutions that are culturally appropriate and that can affect both victims and perpetrators. the broader service system can better respond
recent experiences of incarceration, child removal trauma-informed, and can lead to healing to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Innovation must be promoted through:
and systemic racism prevent many Indigenous for families and communities. Islander peoples.
Australian victims from reporting violence and • place-based approaches49
This requires:
seeking help from police and other services.47 • alternative therapeutic models for victim support
• investing in quality services and workforces
• the rehabilitation of men who use violence.
A range of complex and sensitive factors
• fostering innovation in service design and
drive this.
delivery Mainstream services must do more to adapt their
They include: • focussing on prevention, by drawing on models to meet the needs of individuals and
community strength and resilience. communities. The strength and knowledge of
• mistrust of mainstream legal and support
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
services to understand and respect the needs,
should be leveraged by the sector to create new
autonomy and wishes of Aboriginal and Torres
opportunities for leadership and collaboration
Strait Islander women
• lack of understanding of legal rights and options
and how to access supports at times of crisis
in the development of culturally appropriate
multidisciplinary responses. 3 IN 5
• fear and experience of having children removed However, this is only part of the solution. Aboriginal and Torres
by child protection services Genuine effort requires coordination across Strait Islander women
have experienced physical
• potential social isolation from family and governments, service providers and communities
or sexual violence perpetrated
community as a result of taking action to address the multiple and intersectional drivers by a male intimate partner.
of family violence. It is important to include men
• exposure and interaction with the justice system
in these processes.
that can further perpetuate harm
• emphasis on incarceration as a way of Source: Our Watch, Changing the Picture
rehabilitating perpetrators in place of alternative
models which may better support family
reunification and community-led healing.48
ACTIONS
6. Value and engage the expertise of Aboriginal 8. Develop innovative and alternative models for
and Torres Strait Islander women and men, victim and perpetrator support that contribute to
communities and organisations to lead in the safe healing and sustainable behaviour change.
creation and implementation of community-led
9. Address both the immediate impacts and deep
solutions to build and manage change.
underlying drivers of family violence in Aboriginal
7. Build the workforce capability to ensure and Torres Strait Islander communities through
delivery of high quality, holistic, trauma-informed collective action with governments, service
and culturally safe supports that respond to providers and communities.
the complex needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander women and their children.
23 24NATIONAL PRIORITY THREE Domestic, family and sexual violence is
experienced by women of all backgrounds.
Ultimately, services and supports must not
discriminate against any victims and survivors.
We must learn from the diverse lived experiences
RESPECT, LISTEN AND RESPOND
It is important to consider gender inequality
of victims and survivors to understand what works
together with other forms of social discrimination
for them.
and disadvantage. No two women’s experiences
TO THE DIVERSE LIVED
Quality service responses should: are the same. Race, sexuality, gender and
• prioritise the needs and voices of victims disability, amongst other forms of identity, can
and survivors impact the way a woman experiences violence
EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE • show an understanding of different experiences
of trauma
(see Figure 5).
OF WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN • take into account the needs and experiences
of different cultures.
AFFECTED BY VIOLENCE FIGURE 5: DRIVERS AND REINFORCING FACTORS OF FAMILY
VIOLENCE WITHIN DIVERSE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES
‘ If she does happen to be living with a disability, this violence can take
on additional forms and may include putting medicines out of reach
deliberately, denying access to assistive equipment, refusing to assist with
ABL
R
EISM
ISTIC
AGEIS
M DIS
CR
I
TE
MI
RAC
NA
personal care and verbal abuse about the disability. Worse, the violence is A xual identi
CH se t
TIO
d
AL
ION
ie
often perpetrated over a much longer period of time, at relentless intensity
n
NS
s
Gender a
NAT
e
CI
ty Ag Re
‘ ili
IMI
SO
and may involve several perpetrators. Where a home is adapted to her
ISCR
AND
ab
lig
RAC
Dis
ion
needs or she relies on that perpetrator for essential personal supports it is
ISM
US D
ITY
IDENT
much, much harder to imagine how one could find any pathway to safety.
RELIGIO
us
Sue Salthouse, Disability Advocate and Our Watch Ambassador (2 December 2016)50
ic stat
Ethnicity
nom
co
-e
Socio
CLASSI
HOMOP
SM
G eogr
a lt h
H O BI
he
hi
A, B
ap
nt
al
cl
o c a ti o n Me
atus
IPH
OB
ig
M
st
ra
ti o n / vis a
IA
DT
AN
Intimate partner violence contributes an estimated RA
NS
5.1% to the disease burden in Australian women PHO
BIA
aged 18-44 years, which is higher than any other SES SIO N
risk factor in the study, including tobacco use, DIS P OS
high cholesterol or use of illicit drugs
Source: ANROWS, A preventable burden Source: Adapted from Victorian Government Diversity and Intersectionality Framework, 2019
25 26Violence against women and their children can offenders with such histories.63 Female offenders
EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE
be exacerbated within certain settings and who are victims and survivors of sexual violence SEXUALITY AND GENDER
where gender inequality intersects with other are likely to be dealing with a complex range of
forms of disadvantage and discrimination. issues related to their experience of victimisation
and disadvantage.64 At least 11 per cent of Australians identify as having Intimate partner violence and family violence
For example, rates of violence are higher
for certain groups, such as Aboriginal and Children who experience, or witness, acts of a diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or remains largely invisible in LGBTIQ communities
Torres Strait Islander women51, and in certain abuse and violence in their homes are also intersex status.70 due to myths that LGBTIQ people do not, or
settings, such as prisons.52 Violence is less victims in their own right. They may experience cannot, experience abuse.75 LGBTIQ people report
A significant proportion of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
visible and less understood for some groups psychological, behavioural and health issues reticence to seek support from external services or
transgender, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQ) people
in the community.53 Some women, such as over the course of their lives as a result.65 Their to talk to friends, peers or family members about
report experiencing various forms of violence and
migrant and refugee women54, older women, wellbeing, development, identity and connection the abusive behaviours they are experiencing for
abuse in intimate partner and family relationships.
and women living in rural and regional to culture may also be impacted negatively.66 fear that their relationship will be judged more
The impacts of these are compounded by
areas55, face additional barriers to accessing Children who witness abuse before the age of harshly or that they will not be believed or able to
discrimination and stigma experienced in social
support. Women can also be at higher risk of 15 are also at an increased risk of experiencing access services that meet their needs.76 Stigma
and community settings and for young same-sex
experiencing violence at particular life stages, intimate partner violence themselves.67 plays a key role in the perpetration of violence
attracted and gender diverse people in school and
such as while pregnant56 or while separating against these communities.77
Historically, the voices of children have been in the family home.71
from a relationship, and young women Despite the prevalence, we know that people in
ignored. This has put the health and wellbeing Research undertaken in Australia, the United
experience higher rates of sexual assault.57 LGBTIQ communities are far less likely than the
of child victims and survivors at further risk. Kingdom and the United States over the last two
Women with disability experience significantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are general population to find support services that
decades has consistently identified a number of
higher levels of all forms of violence.58 Nine disproportionately represented in child protection meet their specific needs.78 Whilst many domestic
common abusive behaviours where an abusive
in 10 women with intellectual disability report and out-of-home care systems.68 and family violence and sexual assault services
partner will denigrate aspects of an LGBTIQ
experiencing sexual assault.59 Violence against and professionals working in the area do attempt
The National Plan supports the reforms under person’s sexuality, gender identity or intersex status
women with disability is also more diverse in to be inclusive of LGBTIQ people, the fact remains
COAG’s National Framework for Protecting to create fear, confusion and/or isolation from
nature. While women with disability face many that there are very few services for male victims
Australia’s Children 2009–2020.69 The National potential sources of support.72
of the same forms of domestic, family and and female perpetrators. Many services are unable
Plan acknowledges that children’s experiences Threats or actual behaviours can focus on ‘outing’
sexual violence, women with disability also to support the unique needs of LGBTIQ people
of domestic and family violence are different from or revealing a person’s sexual orientation, gender
experience and are at more risk of particular impacted by intimate partner abuse or family
the experiences of adults. As such, it is important identity, gender history, intersex or HIV status to
forms of violence, such as forced sterilisation, violence and staff in services may not be
that our responses to these experiences take into family, social networks or workplaces, in order to
seclusion and restrictive practices, and well-equipped to support these clients.
account the age of the victims and survivors and control and restrict behaviour. These are some of
experience violence in a range of institutional
their different experiences. the most commonly identified issues that LGBTIQ
and service settings such as in residential
institutions and aged care facilities.60 people name when identifying abusive tactics used
against them.73
Many women in prison have histories of
victimisation, including childhood sexual abuse Transgender, gender diverse and people with
and intimate partner violence.61 It is estimated intersex variations report that there may be subtle or
that 87 per cent of incarcerated women are more overt coercion by a partner to adhere to social
victims of sexual, physical or emotional abuse norms around gender and/or physical appearance.
in either childhood (63 per cent) or adulthood Rates of victimisation for intimate partner
(78 per cent), with the majority victims of violence have been found to be similar or even
multiple forms of abuse.62 The prison system higher among LGBTIQ people in comparison
can often exacerbate trauma for female criminal with rates for non-LGBTIQ individuals.74
27 28EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN FROM All interventions must be appropriate, accessible
and inclusive for people from culturally and
CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY linguistically diverse communities across Australia.
DIVERSE COMMUNITIES This means:
• developing culturally sensitive content
• ensuring meaningful participation of
All Australian communities experience violence Some women from culturally and linguistically
target communities in intervention design,
against women and their children, regardless of diverse backgrounds may experience complex
implementation and evaluation
cultural background. Some groups can experience forms of violence and harmful cultural practices
different and complex forms of violence. including: • supporting and empowering communities
in culturally appropriate ways to enable
These can include: • early and forced marriage
them to address the factors that can
• female genital mutilation/cutting perpetuate violence in their communities.
• newly-arrived migrants
• dowry abuse.
• refugees and asylum seekers
• culturally and linguistically diverse communities These experiences can be influenced by
many factors.
• international students
• people travelling on working holiday visas. For example:
• Some cultural beliefs, traditions and attitudes
Research shows some migrant and refugee that reinforce gender inequality can increase
women may experience emotional abuse the risk of violence within different communities.
and controlling behaviours by their partner or • Racism, bias and other forms of discrimination
extended family using immigration or visa status.79 may impact people’s experiences of violence,
International students and those travelling on their help-seeking behaviour and their
working holiday visas may be exposed to specific experience with service providers.
vulnerabilities that can contribute to abuse in
• Immigration and settlement in a new country can
intimate relationships.
lead to the breakdown or weakening of cultural
norms and practices that support respectful
These can include:
relationships or sanction against the use of
• exploitation of lack of accommodation and violence.
employment opportunities
• In some contexts, religious and/or cultural
• financial abuse values that prioritise family unity and community
• lack of support from education institutions can serve as barriers to divorce or reporting of
• control over their mobility. violence, and make domestic, family and sexual ACTIONS
violence a taboo subject.
• Limited English language skills, and limited 10. Implement community-led and tailored 12. Better equip the service system and
contact with family, friends or communities
in the country of origin can create situations initiatives to address the unique experiences communities to address complex forms
of dependency. Social isolation may be used and needs of communities affected by multiple of violence and harmful cultural practices
as a tool by perpetrators to enable situations
forms of discrimination or inequality. including early and forced marriage, female
for violence to occur. Isolation can also create
barriers to accessing services and seeking genital mutilation/cutting, dowry abuse and
11. Deliver policies and services to address
support.
human trafficking.
the disproportionate impact of violence
• Previous experiences of violence or trauma
can be a risk factor for both perpetration and on particular groups.
victimisation of violence, and some culturally
and linguistically diverse communities are more
likely to have experienced certain types of
abuse or trauma.
29 30NATIONAL PRIORITY FOUR Reported rates of sexual assault continue to rise.
Between 2016 and 2017, the number of reported
Some of these barriers include women not being
believed and, as a result, women not trusting the
sexual assaults increased by 8 per cent across criminal justice system.
RESPOND TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE Australia.82 Despite this, many experiences of
sexual assault are not reported for a number of
reasons. More than 70 per cent of sexual assault
Some groups of women experience more
barriers when reporting sexual assault and
AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
accessing services, including facing stigma
incidents are not reported to police, and only
and discrimination.
about one in 10 reported incidents results in a
guilty finding in court.83 Despite recent changes to These women include:
legislation, there are still many barriers that make it • women with disability
difficult for women to report and access services. • culturally and linguistically diverse women
‘
• sex workers.
The recent high-profile stories of abuse have emphasised the
importance of victims of sexual harassment and assault being
‘ TOO MANY AUSTRALIANS (1 IN 5) ARE WILLING TO EXCUSE
VIOLENCE AS PART OF A ‘NORMAL’ GENDER DYNAMIC
able to come forward, tell their stories and be believed.
IN A RELATIONSHIP.
Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Commissioner (5 March 2018)80
Sexual violence can be both a form of domestic
and family violence and a standalone crime. Most Australians have
Like domestic and family violence, sexual violence accurate knowledge of violence
is gendered, which means that more women
against women and do not
experience sexual assault and sexual harassment
than men.81
endorse this violence.
However, the 2017 National
Community Attitudes towards
Violence against Women survey
found that:
2 in 5 Australians believe that women make up
false reports of sexual assault in order to
punish men.
1 in 3
Australians believe that a female victim who
does not leave an abusive partner is partly
responsible for the abuse continuing.
1 in 8
Australians believe that if a woman is raped
while she is drunk or affected by drugs she
is at least partly responsible.
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