Last week, two federal reports were released that signalled the issue of family, sexual and gendered violence as a national priority. The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission released their first yearly report to the Australian Parliament on the progress of Australia's National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. This was followed by an external rapid review into prevention approaches commissioned by the Commonwealth Government. Both reports highlighted that these egregious forms of violence should be treated as a national emergency. We wholeheartedly agree. Such issues remain long after the headlines fade.
Both reports highlighted the importance of all parts of the system in the quest to address and end these forms of violence – the success of each part’s role is based on embedding the expertise of those who have experienced these forms of violence. In addition, responses, interventions and actions to address violence need to be community informed and led so that they are sensitive to the needs of those they serve. Every part of the system from primary prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing are essential if we are to end this violence in a generation – and it needs to be funded accordingly.
Taking a truly intersectional approach to addressing family, sexual and all forms of gendered violence means supporting and elevating the voices and efforts of those community-led efforts across this nation. That includes sustainable funding, support, consultation and collaboration with First Nations, LGBTIQA+ communities, migrant and refugee communities, people with disability, racialised groups and faith-based communities, children and older Australians. There is incredible work taking place across Victoria mainly by small organisation that are often left out of the national conversation but are arguably the most important to listen to – they are closest to the problem and see the true and evolving nature of family, sexual and gendered violence in real time. To all organisations working on the frontline of prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing – we see you and we hear you.
Ending family, sexual and gendered violence within a generation requires us to ask the hard questions about what is working, and what we need to adjust. It also requires us to take heed of the established evidence, build new knowledge and evolve our thinking and our approaches accordingly. This work is difficult and uncomfortable and needs to be done in a spirit of good faith. We cannot walk away from the gendered nature of the violence we are trying to stop. Nor can we walk away from the emerging knowledge and evidence that will help guide targeted interventions.
While the rapid review report released on Friday was important in keeping prevention on the radar, what comes next needs to have diverse voices in the room and at the table - not just consulted, but leading the conversations that can lead to plans, approaches and funding. Their voices bring the nuance and the practicality to all of our work.
As we continue national efforts to end all forms of family, sexual and gendered violence, it is time for a national response that appreciates the work of those on the frontline and with the community. To all those organisations – sexual assault services, Aboriginal community controlled services, community response, recovery and healing services, women’s health services, legal services, multicultural and inter-faith organisations, LGBTQIA+ services, disability organisations - especially women with a disability services, and to all of those experts by experience advocates – Respect Victoria acknowledges the work you do, the challenges you encounter each day, and the tenacity and compassion with which you approach this difficult work each day.