A more coordinated and comprehensive national approach is needed to make a meaningful reduction in the unacceptable rates of family, domestic and sexual violence, according to a bipartisan report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs released today.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 1 April 2021

A more coordinated and comprehensive national approach is needed to make a meaningful reduction in the unacceptable rates of family, domestic and sexual violence, according to a bipartisan report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs released today. In its report, the Committee makes 88 bipartisan recommendations which seek to inform the development of the next National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children, due to commence in mid-2022. The Committee’s recommendations include the development of a uniform national definition of family, domestic and sexual violence, universal age-appropriate respectful relationships and sexual consent education, measures to address coercive control and technology-facilitated abuse, and the establishment of a National Commissioner to have independent oversight of the next National Plan. The Committee’s recommendations also include measures to ensure that the welfare of victim-survivors and their children is at the centre of responses to family, domestic and sexual violence, a continued focus on education and primary prevention, and a stronger focus on programs to change perpetrators’ behaviour. Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, says that evidence to the Committee highlighted that a whole-of-society response is essential. ‘While all Australian governments have made substantial investments in an attempt to reduce family, domestic and sexual violence, it remains that one woman is killed on average every eight days at the hands of her partner or former partner. This senseless violence and abuse is sadly all too common, and its impact is profound and long lasting on family, friends and indeed the entire community,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘There is much more work to do. As a nation we must do better to begin addressing these appalling statistics.’ ‘The Committee’s recommendations are wide ranging, but our clear message is that we need a more coordinated and comprehensive national approach to ending all forms of family, domestic and sexual violence. It is perpetrators that are responsible for their use of violence, but everyone has a role in bringing about change and stopping violence before it starts.’ The Committee is indebted to many organisations and individuals who contributed evidence throughout the inquiry. In particular, the Committee acknowledges the contributions made by victim‑survivors who shared their experiences with the Committee. A full copy of the Committee’s report can be found on the inquiry’s website. Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 spla.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can, read submissions, find details of upcoming public hearings, and subscribe to receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will conclude its program of public hearings this week, hearing evidence about the criminalisation of coercive control in England and Scotland. The Committee will also hear from others including Commonwealth departments and the business community.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 2 December 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will conclude its program of public hearings this week, hearing evidence about the criminalisation of coercive control in England and Scotland. The Committee will also hear from others including Commonwealth departments and the business community. On Thursday evening, the House Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hear from representatives of Scottish Women’s Aid and the Women’s Aid Federation England about the operation of coercive control legislation in those jurisdictions. On Friday, the Committee will hear further evidence from federal government agencies involved in the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, as well as the National Mental Health Commission, the New South Wales government, and business groups. In addition to the public hearings, the Committee will this week continue hearing from individuals in closed session about their experiences and their suggestions for better preventing and responding to family, domestic, and sexual violence. Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said the Committee was keen to hear about the experience in England and Scotland following the introduction of laws to make coercive control a criminal offence. ‘Throughout the inquiry, the Committee has heard a range of views about how best to respond to coercive and controlling behaviour, which can be a precursor to intimate partner violence including murder. The Committee is hoping to learn from the experience in Scotland and England about whether the criminalisation of coercive control has improved women’s safety, and whether there are lessons for Australia about how we tackle this insidious form of violence.’ In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, witnesses will participate in the hearings remotely, via videoconference and teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to watch or listen to the live broadcast, available at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 3 December 2020 Time: 7.30pm to 9.00pm (AEDT) Location: Via videoconference Date: Friday, 4 December 2020  Time: 8.30am to 1.45pm (AEDT)  Location: Via videoconference Public hearing programs are available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 spla.reps@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will ask questions of Google and Facebook as well as organisations representing the male victims of family violence as it continues its program of public hearings. The Committee is gathering further evidence to inform both its recommendations and the development of the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 11 November 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will ask questions of Google and Facebook as well as organisations representing the male victims of family violence as it continues its program of public hearings. The Committee is gathering further evidence to inform both its recommendations and the development of the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. Starting on Friday 13 November and continuing into the following week, the House Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hear from government agencies, community organisations, and others about issues including financial abuse and women’s economic independence, technology facilitated abuse, the impact of family violence on children and young people, and the important role of the family and domestic violence specialist workforce. The hearings will include roundtable sessions with unions representing health and service workers; national charities; and technology companies Google and Facebook, along with the eSafety Commissioner. The Committee will also hear from organisations representing male victims of family violence. In addition to the public hearings, the Committee will this week begin hearing from individuals in closed sessions. These private hearings will allow the Committee to hear about individuals’ direct experiences, and their suggestions for better preventing and responding to family, domestic, and sexual violence. Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said the extensive program of hearings reflected the scale and complexity of the challenge of addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence. ‘We know that there are many facets to family, domestic and sexual violence, and a comprehensive response will require all sectors of society to work together, online and offline. It is important that the Committee hears a full range of views about where and how this violence occurs, and what can be done to prevent violence in our community.’ In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, witnesses will participate in the hearings remotely, via videoconference and teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to watch or listen to the live broadcast, available at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing details Date: Friday, 13 November 2020 Time: 8.30am to 3.00pm Location: Via teleconference Date: Monday, 16 November 2020 Time: 8.45am to 3.15pm Location: Via videoconference Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2020 Time: 8.45am to 3.15pm Location: Via videoconference Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2020 Time: 8.45am to 5.00pm Location: Via videoconference Date: Thursday, 19 November 2020 Time: 8.45am to 3.15pm Location: Via videoconference Public hearing programs are available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 spla.reps@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will continue its public hearings next week; speaking to a broad range of organisations working to address domestic and family violence across the country.

Media release issue date: Friday, 9 October 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will continue its public hearings next week; speaking to a broad range of organisations working to address domestic and family violence across the country. From 12 to 16 October, the House of Representatives Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hear from leading peak and community organisations who represent the experiences of a diverse cross section of the Australian community, including: people with disabilities; culturally and linguistic diverse communities; people in regional, rural and remote areas; older persons; people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Committee will also hear from representatives of women’s and men’s health organisations, and organisations that focus on men as both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. In addition, the Committee will hold a roundtable discussion with police from the Commonwealth and most State and Territory jurisdictions, to discuss the role and efforts of police in enforcing laws and working with communities in response to family violence. Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said it was necessary to understand how family violence is experienced across the community, including by people in vulnerable groups or with specific needs. ‘The Committee is looking forward to hearing about how different approaches may be needed to assist women from diverse circumstances and backgrounds to escape violence, and to work effectively with men who are victims or perpetrators of family violence. The Committee wants to ensure that a range of voices is represented in the evidence we hear.’ The evidence the Committee gathers, and the recommendations of its inquiry, will inform the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, Committee members and witnesses will participate in the hearing remotely, via videoconference and teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to watch or listen to the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing details Date: Monday, 12 October 2020 Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm Location: Via teleconference Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2020 Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm Location: Via videoconference Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2020 Time: 9.15am to 1.30pm Location: Via teleconference Date: Thursday, 15 October 2020 Time: 8.45am to 3.30pm Location: Via teleconference Date: Friday, 16 October 2020 Time: 8.45am to 3.45pm Location: Via teleconference View the public hearing programs here. Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 spla.reps@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will hear this week from organisations on the front line of dealing with this important national challenge.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 16 September 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will hear this week from organisations on the front line of dealing with this important national challenge. At hearings on Thursday and Friday, the House of Representatives Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hear from key organisations involved in preventing and responding to family violence in Victoria and New South Wales. The Committee will also hear from representatives of local government and the legal sector, as well as Bravehearts and the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance. Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said these hearings are an opportunity to understand the work that is underway in the states and territories to prevent and respond to family violence, and explore how we can improve coordination between all levels of government, community organisations, business and service providers. ‘The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children is at the heart of our efforts to link up the important work being done by all Australian governments to reduce family violence and make sure that together we are making the biggest impact possible. To ensure the next National Plan builds on this work, it is important that we hear about the approaches that have worked well, and about where there may be opportunities for more effective coordination across jurisdictions’. ‘This Committee is planning to conduct further hearings between now and November. We intend to hear more from government and non-government organisations across each of the states and territories, but importantly we will also be listening to people affected by family violence themselves.’ In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, Committee members and witnesses will participate in the hearing remotely, via videoconference and teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to watch the live broadcast, available at aph.gov.au/live. Further information, including hearing programs and submissions to the inquiry, is available on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 17 September 2020 Time: 9.45am to 4.45pm Location: Via teleconference Date: Friday, 18 September 2020 Time: 11.00am to 4.45pm Location: Via videoconference View the public hearing programs here. Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 spla.reps@aph.gov.au

The House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs is commencing public hearings for its inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence, with the first two hearings to take place on 7 and 8 September.

Media release issue date: Friday, 4 September 2020

  The House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs is commencing public hearings for its inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence, with the first two hearings to take place on 7 and 8 September. On Monday 7 September, the Committee will hear from government agencies, research institutes and other organisations about the experience of family violence in the Australian community and the policies and programs in place to respond to it and reduce its prevalence. On Tuesday 8 September, the Committee will further discuss these issues with various bodies including legal sector and service provider organisations, as well as focusing on technology-facilitated abuse with the eSafety Commissioner. Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said: ‘These hearings are an opportunity for the Committee to hear about the current evidence base on the problem of family and domestic violence in Australia, and the actions being taken by governments and community organisations to prevent and respond to it. ‘We want to investigate what is working well, and where there could be improvements, both to reduce violence against women and their children and to allow them to escape violence. ‘In addition, though the significant majority of Australians experiencing domestic violence are women and children, the Committee understands that there are also men who live with this kind of abuse, and we are conscious of the need to inquire into its damaging impacts irrespective of the sex of the perpetrator or the victim.’ ‘The Committee is also keen to hear about the impact the COVID-19 situation has had on those experiencing family violence, and on family violence service providers.’ Mr Wallace added that: ‘The Committee will use evidence from these and future hearings in formulating its report and recommendations, which will seek to inform the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.’ These hearings are the first of several expected to be held for the inquiry between now and November 2020. In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, Committee members and witnesses will participate in the hearing remotely, via videoconference and teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to watch the live broadcast, available at aph.gov.au/live. Further information, including hearing programs and submissions to the inquiry, is available on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Monday, 7 September 2020 Time: 8.45am to 4.00pm Location: Via videoconference Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2020 Time: 8.45am to 4.00pm Location: Via videoconference View the public hearing programs here. Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 spla.reps@aph.gov.au

In Australia, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner, and one in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner. Behind these statistics are the stories of the survivors, who can experience serious and long-lasting impacts on their health, wellbeing, education, relationships, and housing outcomes.

Media release issue date: Friday, 5 June 2020

In Australia, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner, and one in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner. Behind these statistics are the stories of the survivors, who can experience serious and long-lasting impacts on their health, wellbeing, education, relationships, and housing outcomes. A new parliamentary inquiry has been established to shine a light on the scourge of family, domestic, and sexual violence, and to examine how governments and the community can prevent violence against women and their children and better support those most at risk. The Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said the inquiry will consider a broad range of issues, from prevention and early intervention to the level of coordination across the sector, and will seek to inform the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. ‘We all have a role in bringing down the unacceptable level of family and domestic violence in Australia. This inquiry is an opportunity to hear evidence from across the community about what measures are working, and about how the efforts to date can be built upon to stop violence and change the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence’, Mr Wallace said. ‘The inquiry is also an important opportunity to examine the ongoing impact of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of violence against women and children and on the ability of those at risk to access critical support services’, Mr Wallace said. In carrying out the inquiry, the Committee will aim to consider the experiences of all women, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, rural women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, LGBTQI women, women with a disability, and women on temporary visas. The Committee will also aim to consider all forms of violence against women, including coercive control and technology-facilitated abuse. The Committee is accepting written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference, and invites individuals and organisations to share their view with the Committee. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 24 July 2020. A template is available on the inquiry website to assist individuals to prepare a submission. The Committee is also seeking expressions of interest from members of the community who wish to make a short statement to the Committee about their experience, in closed session over the telephone. The Committee intends to hold public hearings at a later stage in the inquiry, and information about any public hearings will be available on the inquiry website. To obtain more information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, and to find out how to contribute, please visit the inquiry website: www.aph.gov.au/familyviolence. Please be aware that the Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: 1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732 Lifeline - 131 114 MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978 Men’s Referral Service - 1300 766 491 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277 Help is Here - www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport   Media inquiries Office of Mr Andrew Wallace, Chair of Committee Mr Simon Thwaites Simon.Thwaites@aph.gov.au 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2358 family.violence.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can, read submissions, find details of upcoming public hearings, and subscribe to receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.