A new National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 has been launched by State, Federal and Territory Women’s Safety Ministers.
The National Plan sets the agenda to end violence against women and children in one generation. It sets a clear direction for the next ten years, and outlines what steps need to be taken to achieve it.
Importantly, in recognition of the high rates of family and domestic violence affecting First Nations people, there will also be a standalone National Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety.
The Western Australian Government is committed to working with the Commonwealth to address gender-based violence.
The Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and Women’s Interests Simone McGurk MLA participated in the September 2021 National Summit on Women’s Safety alongside a WA delegation, contributing to the development of the National Plan.
The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children is complemented by the Commonwealth Government’s financial commitment to States and Territories.
Under the National Partnership Agreement for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-2023, Western Australia will receive $30.1 million to the end of 2022-23.
This funding will support the delivery of critical family, domestic and sexual violence services over two years.
Previously this funding has supported initiatives to assist victim survivors of family and domestic violence to access support, stabilise and improve their safety, wellbeing and independence.
The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Commonwealth’s Department of Social Services website.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
“I’m proud to join with Women’s Safety Ministers from across the country to launch the new National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children.
“The vision to end gender-based violence is an ambitious one, but if we are all pulling in the same direction, we can achieve it.
“Violence against women and children is not inevitable. We know what drives it, and to stop it we must advance gender equality and other forms of discrimination.
“The voices of victim-survivors are at the heart of this National Plan. I thank those Western Australians who spoke up to share their experiences and expertise.
“With the disproportionate impact of family violence on First Nations women and their children, I welcome the dedicated approach to Aboriginal family safety, as well recognition of the impact of sexual violence on women’s safety, wellbeing and economic independence.
“It’s critical that we take a national and strategic approach to ending the scourge of family, domestic and sexual violence. The McGowan Government is committed to working together at a State and Federal level to stop the violence before it starts.
“Women, no matter where they live in this country, deserve to be safe in their relationships, at home and where they learn and work.”
