Violence against women is now recognised to be a serious and widespread problem, with enormous individual and community impacts and social costs.
A focus on Family Violence is a key Strategic direction of the GPPCP as we work to connect and bolster efforts to prevent and address family violence across regions and sectors. Click here to read about our journey and achievments.
Statistics documented by Our Watch indicate:
- On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner, according to the most recent analysis of homicide statistics in Australia.
- Intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 15 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor.
- Domestic or family violence against women is the single largest driver of homelessness for women, a common factor in child protection notifications, and results in a police call-out on average once every two minutes across the country.
Navigate to the Our Watch website facts and figures page for data references and more information.
An era of dramatic policy change
In recent times, Victoria has seen an increased level of interest, investment and public discourse in the area of family violence, and more broadly, the prevention of violence against women and their children. A number of significant initiatives have been established together with policy documents released, these constantly evolving, for example:
- The establishment of OurWatch, a Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Family Safety Victoria.
- The Royal Commission into Family Violence, report and 227 recommendations.
- The Roadmap for Reform: strong families, safe children – first steps
- Safe and Strong A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy – Preventing Violence Against Women Through Gender Equality
- Ending Family Violence – Victoria’s Plan for Change
- The Free from Violence: Victoria’s Strategy to Prevent Family Violence
- The Family Violence Rolling Action Plan
- The Support & Safety Hubs State-wide Concept