Annual progress report highlights achievements to address violence against women

Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers held a special meeting on Friday to discuss progress and achievements under the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.

The 2014-15 Annual Progress Report on the Second Action Plan to improve women’s safety was endorsed at the meeting.

Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison said the report shows governments and communities are continuing to work together to address what is a national tragedy.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve witnessed the extraordinary efforts of individuals, communities, businesses and governments across the country to address violence against women and their children,” Minister Morrison said.

“The report highlights our collective efforts to address violence against women and their children; from primary prevention and early intervention initiatives, to specialist services for women and their children, to effective perpetrator interventions and controls.”

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash said she was proud to showcase the achievements of all governments, partners and communities, but noted that there is always more work to do.

“Violence against women is a community issue and we must all work together to eliminate it,” Minister Cash said.

“No Australian community is exempt from the reality of domestic, family and sexual violence. The whole community – government, business, community and civil society – needs to work together to bring about a nation-wide change in the culture, behaviour and attitudes that underpin violence.”

“The progress outlined in the Annual Report is a reflection of the dedication shown by all Government to address the insidious crime of domestic violence – I thank my State and Territory colleagues for their collective leadership.

“All levels of Government are working hard to address this issue though there is much work to do and we are committed to ensuring that we stop the violence before it happens – until we achieve this we will not rest.”

The meeting marked the one year anniversary of the launch of the Second Action Plan, an opportune time to also launch the National Plan website, which was created to share information, research and resources with key stakeholders.

The website includes information about the work being done to prevent violence against women and their children across Australia.

It also has links to support services and provides practical ways that communities can get involved to promote gender equality and reduce violence against women and their children.

Visit plan4womenssafety.dss.gov.au for more information.

Victims of domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault, as well as their family and friends can contact 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au

Further details of the National Plan can be found at www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/women/programs-services/reducing-violence/the-national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against-women-and-their-children-2010-2022