Stark reminders this week that there is a way to go to change victim-blaming attitudes for violence against women offences, and still a need to challenge mainstream media reporting and broadcasting of violence against women, both at home and internationally. Greater focus on perpetrator behaviour is needed, with a recognition that it’s everyone’s responsibility to end this violence.
News from CSW
The Agreed Conclusions from CSW57 recognise the important role that the media can play by including the clause “…encourage the media to improve public awareness on violence against women and girls, to train those who work in the media…”
- Read more about the international agreements in the advanced unedited version of the Agreed Conclusions
- Minister Julie Collins’s media release underpins the importance of the Agreed Conclusions: Historic international agreement on preventing violence against women and girls
- For more reading on the outcomes of CSW: CSW57 – Signed, Adopted, and Delivered; UN Commission on the Status of Women unmasks equality’s enemies; Ending Violence Against Women — Now the Real Work Starts
AWAVA will post more on the CSW57 outcomes, including a handy lobbying guide, in the next few weeks, keep an eye on the website.
Around the Nation
- The Age reports on the scrapping of changes to anti-discrimination laws. Read AWAVA’s response to the announcement here and disappointment at the missed opportunity to provide much-need protection to domestic violence survivors and victims. AWAVA joined 96 organisations, including many AWAVA member organisations and supporters calling on the Government to pass the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill by June 2013
- In an interview with a survivor of sexual abuse, John Laws asks the victim “was it your fault?“ – triggering a storm of complaints and tweets. [WARNING: interview is very graphic in places]. If you want to remind radio broadcasters that they have a responsibility to end violence against women and girls, sign this petition
- A new app aimed at assisting people to report sexual assault has been launched this week
- Martin McKenzie-Murray says plainly and simply if you “touch a woman without her consent you are scum. Zero excuses. Pass the word”
- The high-profile WA trial involving Tammy Kingdon and Troy Mercanti has commentators hoping more women will come forward to report abuse
Gender Equality in the Workplace Laws – Includes family and domestic violence reporting
The reporting requirements of employers under the new gender equality in the workplace laws “Gender Equality Indicator 4—availability and utility of employment” include terms, conditions and practices relating to flexible working arrangements for employees and toworking arrangements supporting employees with family or caring responsibilities. Matters that must be included in the report:
4.12 The existence of a policy or strategy to support employees who have or are experiencing family or domestic violence.
4.13 Measures, if any, to support employees who have or are experiencing family or domestic violence.
Internationally
- Laurie Penny from the USA talks about the Steubenville rape, and rape culture in society [WARNING: some potentially offending language]. CNN were strongly crticised for their victim-blaming coverage of the rape convictions, if you want to register your dissatisfaction with the reporting, sign this petition
- Ten women in New York take legal action against the city for failing to provide safe housing as they escape violence
- In the UK, Teachers are beginning to be trained in recognising victims of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)
- India’s lower house approves tougher penalties for rapists
*Articles published are not necessarily representative of the views and opinions of AWAVA, and are published as general information only