The New South Wales (NSW) government has developed a new strategy to combat family violence by targeting its root causes. This approach will mobilise childcare centres, workplaces, and sporting clubs to play a crucial role in preventing violence and creating safer spaces for women and children.
Scheduled for launch on Sept. 13, a major part of the initiative includes respectful relationship educators working with schools across the state to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based education on building healthy relationships.
Additionally, an $8.8 million initiative will extend the existing early childhood “all-in” pilot program, empowering childcare workers and families to challenge gender stereotypes that contribute to gender-based violence.
NSW Education Minister Prue Car emphasised the importance of early education in shaping future behavior.
“Teaching young people about resilience, respect, and safety in relationships during their formative years has a profound impact on who they become,” she said.
The inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence report revealed 43 women were murdered by their partners in the financial year up to June 30.
The report, tabled in Parliament on Aug. 21, also found an 11 percent increase in sexual violence within the year.
Premier Chris Minns highlighted the urgency of the state’s first primary prevention strategy, which aims to prevent lives from being destroyed by violence.
“This framework lays the groundwork for not only addressing violence after it occurs but preventing it from happening in the first place,” Minns stated.
The strategy was developed in collaboration with over 200 individuals and organisations, including Domestic Violence NSW, Aboriginal representatives, and Our Watch.
On Sept. 7, the National Cabinet announced a $4.7 billion package over the next five years to prevent domestic violence across Australia. The federal government has also agreed to a new national partnership on family, domestic, and sexual violence with states and territories.
The federal government will provide $351 million, which will be matched by state and territory counterparts.
“A nationally coordinated approach is required to address this national crisis,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“These horrific and disturbing deaths and vile violence must be prevented.”
Earlier in May, the NSW Government also announced $230 million over four years as part of an emergency package to enhance support for domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) victim-survivors and expand programs aimed at reducing the rate of violence against women and children.
Several serious domestic violence incidents, including a highly publicised stabbing in Bondi Junction, have brought increased attention to the issue in the last six months.
