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‘Anger and distress’ as scourge of violence continues

The safety of women and children is a national priority, the government says.

The safety of women and children is a national priority, the government says. Photo: AAP

Masculinity must be redefined and men have to be included in community efforts to end gender-based violence, a new report says.

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin will release the first annual report tracking the progress of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 during an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday.

She has met with more than 300 organisations and people in 2024, as services struggle to keep up with demand despite government funding.

“I know the anger and distress that many communities feel – and their frustration at the lack of progress in addressing gender-based violence,” Ms Cronin said.

The report will say men must be a part of every aspect of ending violence and more intervention options for men are needed.

“Governments must support efforts to redefine masculinity and engage men effectively,” the commission wrote in a statement.

The report will warn despite significant public funds, services and systems are “overwhelmed” by community needs.

It will be tabled in parliament, a year on from two supporting action plans that outline steps to ending violence in a generation.

One of the plans focuses on the disproportionate level of violence experienced by Indigenous communities.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said family violence destroys lives and it must end.

“The safety of women and children experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence is a national priority for our government,” she said.

“We are working every day under the national plan, which is our comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy with states and territories to end violence against women and children in one generation.”

Rishworth said Labor had provided more than $3.4 billion for women’s safety in three federal budgets and convened a dedicated national cabinet on this issue earlier in 2024.

The nation has been shocked by the spate of violent attacks on women this year, prompting calls for urgent action.

Prevention of Family Violence Assistant Minister Justine Elliot said everyone had a part to play, and commended the “continued bravery and dedication” of people driving change.

“We should be proud of the work that has been done to end gender-based violence in Australia to date, work done over many years by so many community services, frontline workers and advocates,” she said.

“Today’s report presents a vital opportunity for continued action, improvement, and development.”

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-AAP

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