It’s time to stop the violence.
UPDATE:
This morning Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull unveiled his Women’s Safety Package to Stop the Violence.
The Government has committed to $100 million worth of measures aimed at providing a safety net for women and children, including money for frontline support and services, innovative technologies to keep women safe, and community education programs.
“Disrespecting women is unacceptable, it is unacceptable at any level,” Prime Minister Turnbull said at a press conference this morning where he announced the details of the package.
“We have to make it unAustralian to disrespect women.”
The full list of commitments is contained in an accompanying media release, which can be read here.
“Women and children in Australia have the right to feel safe and live without fear of violence,” the release says.
“We must elevate this issue to our national consciousness, and make it clear that domestic, family or sexual violence is unacceptable in any circumstances.”
Significantly, the plan designates $21 million for specific measures to help Indigenous women who are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of domestic violence.
It also included $5 million additional funding to expand the 1800RESPECT hotline.
Previously we reported:
Today Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will outline a series of practical measures aimed at stamping out domestic violence in Australia.
The commitment — $41 million of practical reforms and an overall package of more than $100 million — aims to put domestic violence at the forefront of the nation, bringing it out from behind closed doors, raising awareness, and stamping out the insidious culture of violence and degradation that has led to the deaths of 63 women this year.
In his first major announcement as Prime Minister, Mr Turnbull will commit at least $41 million of the $100 million towards training, support and school programs.
He will announce the measures with the Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash, Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, and former Victorian police chief Ken Lay.
Rosie Batty and Ken Lay were the founding members of an advisory panel on preventing violence against women established by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott earlier this year.
With 63 deaths heavily weighing on the nation, these reforms are welcome news.
Minister For Women Michaelia Cash says that it is time to encourage respectful relationships through education to affect cultural change.
She told The Courier Mail: “This Government is committed to taking practical immediate action to ensure women and children are safe — in their homes, on the streets, and online.”
News Limited reports that these measures include GPS tracking for serious perpetrators, training for emergency workers and hospital staff.
A total of $1.6 million will be set aside to train hospital staff to recognise signs of domestic violence.
Top Comments
"Respect" does not go far enough. It is about men killing, beating, manipulating, controlling, stalking and scaring women. It is systemic and until pornography and pop culture are addressed (any and every kid with a smartphone is watching porn, people) then nothing will change. Mainstream porn dehumanizes women. It is that simple.
In February, Rosie Batty spoke out about the $300 million worth of cuts to women's shelters and the homeless- a policy of the Abbott government. Women's shelters closed. These cuts came into effect on 28 Feb, and more were rolled out in July. I don't see evidence that any shelters will reopen. Long term strategies focusing on the offenders, are, of course, welcome. $500 million is to " educate" GPs and health workers over 3 years. Most of us are very aware of this problem. When we see these patients, where are we going to send them to keep them safe? Mr Turnbull is making a step in the right direction, but emergency accomodation options have declined under this government.