Family violence must be better addressed

THE results of a recent survey on attitudes towards violence against women and gender equality show that Australians still have a significant way to go in improving understandings of domestic, family and sexual violence. Monash University expert Professor Kate Fitz–Gibbon is the Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre and last week released the results of a nationwide survey. Mansfield Shire recorded some 112 sexual abuse incidents over the past year from January to December 2022. Across the state the majority of family members affected by these incidents were female and age brackets ranged from 20 years of age to 50 years – these age sections recorded the highest figures. The top age range for females affected by family violence recorded was the 30 to 34 age bracket with some 9414 incidents recorded (statewide). Others includesd 35–39 years – 9204; 25–29 years 8399; and 20–24 years – 6193. Alleged offender incidents increased 7.0 per cent to 162,750 in the year to December 31, 2022, up from 152,139. Family incidents increased in the year to December 31, 2022, up 1.3 per cent from 91,139 to 92,296. In response to COVID–19 Victoria Police commenced Operation Ribbon on April 13, 2020, this operation was active until December 2020. Operation Ribbon focused specifically on active engagement with victim–survivors and known perpetrators of family violence. These figures were reported from the Crime Statistics Agency in March 2023. Ms Fitz–Gibbon said the latest National Community Attitude Survey (NCAS) results covered a period time where there had been significant conversations nationally on women's safety and sexual violence. "The survey findings illustrate that Australians do not yet consistently understand the gendered nature and impacts of domestic, family and sexual violence," Prof Fitz–Gibbon said. "Attitudinal change takes time and requires substantial federal and state investment. "There is an ongoing need to continue to invest in community awareness and education initiatives in all settings and communities across Australia." Despite significant coverage on the issue in recent years this survey evidences the depth of problematic views held across the Australian community. "Educating all Australians on consent is critical," Prof Fitz–Gibbon said. "We must also tackle the excuses that arise in attempts to explain away a failure to gain consent. "This survey provides a stark reminder that Australia is not immune from this global movement backwards and that we must work very hard to ensure that the attitudes and the beliefs that Australians hold do not slip backwards."

Family violence must be better addressed

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