How do we stop domestic violence?

Despite widespread media coverage, the introduction of education programs and increased government funding, domestic violence remains a scourge on communities.

The rate of women killed by an intimate partner in Australia increased by almost 30 per cent in 2022-23 (compared to the previous year), Australian Institute of Criminology data shows.

In 2022-23, 34 women were killed by a current or previous intimate partner – eight more than were killed in 2021-22 – with the rate of these deaths increasing by 28 per cent compared to the previous year, from 0.25 to 0.32 per 100,000.

Monday marks the International Day for the annual Elimination of Violence against Women. The United Nations says globally at least 51,100 women were killed by partners and family members in 2023. That equates to a woman every 10 minutes.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will also signal the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism that finishes on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

The prime minister declared violence against women to be a national crisis after the alleged murders of 26 women at the hands of men in just the first four months of 2024.

First Nations people are far more likely to be the victims of homicide than non-Indigenous people – with a homicide rate around seven times higher than that for non-Indigenous people.

The sad facts show that in Australia:

• One woman a week on average is murdered by her current or former partner.
• Intimate partner violence is the greatest health risk factor for women aged between 25 and 44.
• About one in six women (1.6 million) aged 18 years and over have experienced violence by a partner since the age of 15.
• Young women (18 – 24 years) experience significantly higher rates of physical and sexual violence than women in older age groups. 
• Domestic or family violence against women is the single largest factor in female homelessness.

There are no easy answers to stopping domestic violence, but we can all play a part. For example, educating young people about healthy relationships, gender equality, consent, respect, and empathy. There are also intervention strategies such as counselling and support services in each state and territory that can assist individuals who are experiencing or are responsible for domestic violence.

For more details about the Elimination of Violence Against Women go to: www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

For assistance contact the national family violence counselling service on 1800 737 732. Other services include RESPECT at www.respect.gov.au

Second image: UN Women logo. www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures

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