This week AWAVA met with Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women. It was an incomparable opportunity for AWAVA’s Chairperson and Program Manager to meet the Minister and discuss our achievements, current work, and future directions. We are thrilled to report that the Minister shares our commitment to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and their children. We thank the Minister for her vision and expertise and look forward to working with her!
Around the Nation
- In this article, the very real issue of Forced Marriage in Australia is looked at
- The CFMEU joins the fight against domestic and family violence
- The Sydney Morning Herald says that Malala offers an example to the world in her fight for education for girls
- There are calls in Victoria to change laws that suppress the identities of perpetrators of domestic and family violence
- In Ballarat (Vic) police and Aboriginal communities are working together to end family violence
- This excellent article from Ken Lay, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police says violence against women is a “bloke’s issue“
Around the World
- The UN, in partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, launched “Voices Against Violence” – a new education curriculum focussed on preventing violence against women and girls
- In Nigeria, there are renewed commitments from the government to end violence against women, particularly sexual violence in areas of conflict. But the UN says that Nigeria is ranked as one of the lowest in the world for gender equality and gender violence
- Still in Nigeria, there are calls for more to be done to end early and forced marriage
- More on FGM/C, and the UN reports on progress being made in Ethiopia
- Supermodel and Campaigner Waris Dirie says that FGM is pure violence against women and girls
- This story from the USA looks at the parallels between Indian and Western (USA) cultures of victim blaming
- The US Government shut-down has the potential to severely hamper the prosecution of rape cases, as “Rape Kits” may no longer be available, along with counselling and other services for victims. Funding to other services assisting victims/survivors of violence is also having an impact
- Still in the USA, world-renowned hackers Anoymous have posted this video in response a young woman’s rape and lack of systemic support and action – read more about the Maryville case here
- In Yemen, women are striving to be recognised as equals in law – which may prove to be a hard task, particularly with attitudes prevailing among law enforcement that women who report domestic violence are ‘indecent’ and that it is ’caused by the women misbehaving.’
- Concerns are being raised for the progress of women in Afghanistan as the transition from International to Afghan forces is made in 2014
- Viral Rape is increasingly becoming a ‘thing’ and a ‘trend’ in the USA – and no doubt in other parts of the world
- From India, this essay looks at Popular Mythologies and Their Implications for VAW
- This report from the Asian Tribune says that changing notions of masculinity is the key to prevent violence against women
- The International Committee of the Red Cross says more needs to be done to stop Rape as a Weapon of War
- Many of you would have read Emily Yoffe’s piece which says that by women drinking more they are leaving themselves vulnerable to attack, and should not get drunk in order to avoid being raped. This unapologetic article in reply tells Emily Yoffe, and reminds readers, that rape is the fault of the rapists, and never the victim
**Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of AWAVA and are included as items of interest only