Welcome to our latest weekly Round-Up. We wish all of you a happy festive season and new year! We sincerely thank you for your support this year. In 2015, violence against women has attracted much-needed attention in the media. For this, we congratulate women’s organisations around the country, including our Advisory Group, for their tireless efforts. There is still much to be done to ensure that all women and children are safe from violence; however, the dedication of women around the country has shown that it is possible to start a national conversation about gender based violence, and make our concerns a national priority. We look forward to working with all of you in the new year!
Around the Country
- In NSW, a recent study has dispelled the misconception that police receive several red flags before a domestic violence murder. The study conducted by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found that victims are still reluctant to notify authorities and seek help.
- In Tamworth, NSW, local sports clubs are signing up to a program to address and raise awareness about violence against women.
- In South Australia, changes to tenancy laws have recently been introduced to provide more options to victims escaping domestic violence.
- A report released by the Australian Human Rights Commission has found that children who grow up in violent households can suffer lifelong mental and physical health problems but often fail to receive adequate support.
- Women’s services in Australia are expecting an influx of reports over the next couple of weeks, as domestic and sexual violence has shown to increase over the holiday period. If you, or anyone you know, has experienced violence, please contact 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) for 24/7 counselling and support.
- Lisa Annese has written about the role of employers in supporting victims of domestic violence.
- Women’s Agenda have written about the ten most important things we have learned from women in 2015 to wrap up the year.
Around the World
- Rashida Manjoo, former UN special rapporteur on the causes and consequences of violence against women, has called for a binding international treaty addressing gender based violence.
- In Algeria, the parliament has passed a law criminalising all forms of abuse, including verbal and psychological abuse, against women.
- In New Delhi, a number of changes have been made to better respond to violence against women.CNN reporter, Sumnima Udas, joins a patrol with India’s highest ranking female police officer in this video to document these changes.
Get Involved!
- AWAVA, in conjunction with Our Watch and supported by WESNET, invite you to attend an international conference on violence against women. The conference will be held from 19 to 22 September 2016. More information here!
- Women’s Legal Services Australia invites female victims/ survivors of sexual assault and domestic/ family violence who have been involved in family law court proceedings about children’s matters and would like to share about their experiences to please answer the short survey (open until 31 December).
- The 21st Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International Conference 2016 will be held from 26-28 October 2016. More information here!