The inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence report has revealed 43 women were murdered by their partner in the financial year up to June 30.
The report, tabled in Parliament on Aug. 21, also highlighted an 11 percent surge in sexual violence within the year.
“These numbers reflect a reality that many prefer to avoid, yet it is one that advocates bravely bring to light, demanding that we confront these issues head-on,” said Michaela Cronin, the domestic violence commissioner.
Cronin further said language was critical in shaping understandings about domestic violence, calling for the framing of the issue to change to focus on “gender inequality and power imbalances,” in an address to the National Press Club.
“This shift in language is essential for creating a cultural change that challenges the norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence,” she claimed.
Cronin said three critical themes from the report include a focus of the lived experience of victims, engaging men, and improving support.
“Men are disproportionately the perpetrators of violence, yet the national plan’s references to men are significantly fewer compared to women,” she said, with calls for more education to help with prevention.
“We must work more effectively with men to understand and address the root causes of violence.”
Lastly, Cronin called for funding increases because support remained stretched.
