The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women has brought a major focus to government investment and community action this year, with both state and federal governments announcing significant funding aimed at preventing violence before it starts and supporting victim survivors.
The NSW Government used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to primary prevention and cultural change. NSW Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, acknowledged the strength and resilience of victim survivors and the families of women lost to gendered violence, saying domestic, family and sexual violence incidents remain stubbornly high.
“We stand with all victim-survivors and their families, and acknowledge their strength, courage and resilience,” she said.
“We mourn those who have lost their lives to gendered violence. Each one of them a mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend.”
The theme for this year’s global 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence is UNiTE to end digital violence against all women and girls. Technology-facilitated abuse is rising sharply, with the eSafety Commissioner reporting a 550 per cent increase in explicit deepfakes since 2019.
The NSW Government said it has strengthened state laws to respond to those emerging risks, including outlawing the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes, updating the definition of stalking to better capture technology-facilitated tracking, and criminalising coercive control. It has also invested $38 million into rolling out its first primary prevention strategy, saying a whole-of-community effort is required to build a safer NSW.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said this year’s activism campaign shines a light on digital abuse.
“In Australia, more than half of adults say they have been targeted by technology-facilitated abuse, and one in four Australian girls have experienced non-consensual online tracking, monitoring or harassment,” she said.
“Too many women and children in Australia are still living in fear of men’s violence. Lighting Parliament House in orange is a powerful symbol that women’s safety is a national priority and that we will not look away from this crisis.”
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney said the theme highlights the evolving landscape of harm.
“This year’s theme: unite to end digital violence highlights the rapidly evolving nature of violence and how it is being used to harm women and children,” she said.
“From conversations at home and in the community, to workplace policies, services and front-line workers, and legislative changes in Parliament, ending gendered violence in Australia requires our collective efforts at every level. We cannot and will not look away.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government announced renewed national commitments and highlighted landmark investments of more than $4 billion across frontline services, prevention initiatives, behaviour change programs and support for children.
To mark the day, Parliament House will be illuminated orange as a symbolic reminder of the lives impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence. One in four Australian women have experienced intimate partner violence since the age of 15 and one in five have experienced sexual violence.
Federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek also acknowledged the victim survivors of domestic and family violence, while announcing a massive funding boost of $41m for the 1800 RESPECT helpline.
“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to have invested more than any Government ever – over $4 billion – in keeping women and their children safe.”
Since its inception in 2010, 1800RESPECT has seen a 3,000% increase in contacts with the service from people seeking help.
Last financial year, 1800RESPECT received over 342,000 calls, video calls, online chats and texts, and demand is expected to increase. More Australians understand the signs of family violence and are feeling able to seek the help they need.
“Too many women in Australia are still living in fear of men’s violence. Services like 1800RESPECT are often the first safe door they can walk through to tell their story and get help,” Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said.
“This funding boost means more calls, more chats, more texts and more video sessions can be answered when women and their children reach out
“We know that not everyone feels safe picking up the phone. The expansion of SMS and video counselling means women can seek support in the way that works best for them, at a time that is safest for them.”
The 16 Days of Activism also involved many activities across the region, including:
- Manilla Family Day – Tuesday 25 November from 3pm, Manilla Pool
- Tamworth Walk and Colour Run – Friday 28 November from 4pm, Viaduct Park
- Quirindi Family Day – Tuesday 2 December from 3pm, Quirindi Pool
- “The Clothesline Project” – Wednesday 10 December from 11am until 2pm, Armidale Mall
If you need help or are upset by this story, please seek support.
- 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- 13Yarn 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Headspace on 1800 650 890