A detailed program for Prevalent & Preventable has been released, featuring a range of participatory, action-focused sessions. Hosted in Adelaide by AWAVA and Our Watch on 19–22 September 2016, this international conference is dedicated to exploring emerging opportunities to prevent violence against women across the diversity of Australian society and beyond. View the full preliminary program here! Newly confirmed speakers include Antoinette Braybrook (Family Violence Prevention Legal Services, as a keynote), Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, Kelly Vincent MLC (South Australia, Dignity for Disability Party), Hannah Gissane (Equality Rights Alliance), Victoria’s Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Andrew Jackomos, researcher and community worker Michael Flood, and many more fantastic presenters. Early bird registrations have been extended until the end of Monday 8 August, so register now!
Around the Country
- In Western Australia, a report by WA Police to Parliament has shown that the number of family and domestic violence murders has doubled since last year.
- Victorian Greens MP Nina Springle has argued that other states should follow Queensland in legislating to stop companies like Wicked Campers from using slogans promoting violence and bigotry.
- In Victoria, outraged by the ABC’s Four Corners program exposing the abuse of boys in Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, four women locked themselves in a makeshift metal cage as part of a protestoutside Flinders Street Station. [This article contains discussions of violence that may be distressing.]
- Executive Style editorial writer Phil Barker has written an article, ‘Want some “blokes advice”? Stop hating women’, in response to a Facebook page promoting violence against women. [This article contains discussions of violence that may be distressing.]
- Red Heart Campaign founder Sherele Moody has received death threats after she established a petition to shut down the Blokes Advice Facebook page.[This article contains discussions of violence that may be distressing.]
- Myer, in partnership with the Salvation Army, has launched the Give Registry, encouraging shoppers to buy pre-selected essential items for women and children who are rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence.
Around the World
- What is next for Boko Haram survivors? In Nigeria, Christine Chung reports on the needs of women who escaped gender-based violence from the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram.
- In Malawi, girls are taught self-defense skills to combat sexual abuse, including shouting or saying ‘No!’
- In the US, Carrie Bettinger-Lopez and Jaimie Woo have reported on the first White House United State of Women Summit, which was attended by thousands of people who gathered to talk about the key issues affecting women and girls, including gender-based violence.
- Raquel Reichard has written a special report on the staggering high rates of intimate partner violence in Bolivia and how the government of Bolivia is finding ways to curb gender violence.
Get involved!
- The Australian Women’s Health Network is asking for supporters to make some noise and save women’s health! Join the campaign here.
- Women’s Legal Service Victoria is holding an interactive workshop on Children and the Law, 15 September, Level 50 Bourke Place, 600 Bourke St, Melbourne. Click here to book.
- The 2016 Victims and Justice National Conference will be held on 8 and 9 August 2016 in Melbourne. More information here.
- Tickets are on sale for the Fearless Comedy Gala – Comedians Against Family Violence. Some of Australia’s top comedians will unite in Canberra on 18 August to make a stand against family violence in our community. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT. More information available here.
- The University of Melbourne has created a website called ‘NotTheOnlyOne’ where women can anonymously read and share stories about experiencing family and domestic violence.
- The National Multicultural Women’s Conference will be held on 3 and 4 November 2016 in Parkroyal Parramatta, Sydney. Find out more here.
- 1800RESPECT, the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Counselling Service is holding a webinar to give front-line workers an understanding of technology facilitated abuse and knowledge on how to support women with practical advice and tools to increase their safety when using digital technology and online media. The 45 minute webinar will be held on 15 September from 1pm AEST. The presenter is Karen Bentley, National Director SafetyNet Australia, WESNET. Register here.
- Executive Challenge Academy, in partnership with the Queensland Police Service and EY, invites you to the Stepping Up for DV–Leadership Challenge Workshop with Rosie Batty on 11 August at 9AM, Brisbane City QLD. For inquiries and registration click here.
- Soroptomist International is sponsoring the Rosie Batty Roadshow from 5 October to 7 November 2016, travelling from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne and Adelaide. Proceeds will go to the Women’s Legal Services in each capital that Rosie will visit. To buy your tickets click here.