Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a critical issue that impacts the lives of many people, leading to devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. In Australia, domestic violence is defined under the Family Law Act 1975 as “violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person’s family, or causes the family member to be fearful.” This includes violence between partners of all genders, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of domestic relationships.
A Look at the Past: Measures Against Domestic Violence
Australia’s fight against domestic violence gained momentum in the mid-90s, with a national survey in 1996 named the “Women’s Safety Survey.” This survey was pivotal as it provided the first nationwide data on various forms of violence against women.
Following this, in 1997, the Australian government, under then-Prime Minister John Howard, acknowledged the severity of domestic violence. The “Partnerships Against Domestic Violence” program was initiated, allocating A$50 million towards testing preventative measures and practices to combat domestic violence. This was also the year when Centrelink started offering emergency crisis payments to women suffering from domestic violence, marking a step forward in providing immediate relief to victims.
The 21st Century: A Renewed Fight Against Domestic Violence
The late 90s to the early 2000s witnessed the initiation of several programs aimed at reducing domestic violence. The National Indigenous Family Violence Grants Programme was launched to help local Indigenous communities reduce family violence. The National Initiative to Combat Sexual Assault was established, and the Australian Domestic Violence Clearinghouse was created, serving as a repository of research and publications on domestic violence from every Australian state and territory.
New Beginnings: The Current Decade
Fast forward to 2015, the Australian Senate issued an interim report highlighting eight key recommendations for addressing domestic violence. One of the major recommendations was the inclusion of “respectful relationships education” in the national curriculum. This program, aimed at fostering respect and understanding among young people, has since been implemented across all Victorian Government schools.
Later the same year, then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced an additional funding of A$100 million to boost measures protecting victims of domestic violence. This marked the beginning of the three-year plan titled “Family and Domestic Violence Strategy 2016—2019,” outlining the government’s strategic approach to tackling domestic violence.
Towards a Safer Future
In 2017, the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme was launched, leading to a significant change in domestic violence order enforcement. All domestic violence orders were now to be recognised and enforceable nationally, irrespective of the state or territory in which they were issued or registered.
Australia’s current strategy, the “Family and Domestic Violence Strategy 2020–23,” is the government’s most recent action plan against domestic violence. With a funding of A$22.4 million, a Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission was set up in November 2021 to oversee the implementation of the National Plan to end violence against women and children.
A Continued Commitment
The fight against domestic violence is a complex undertaking. Australia’s strategy continues to evolve, with a constant commitment to preventative measures, supportive services, and legal protections. The goal is to create a future where every individual, regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, can live a life free from fear and violence.