Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
In Australia, one woman dies every 10 days at the hands of her former or current partner and one in three women has experienced violence by an intimate partner.
The impacts of this violence are disproportionately experienced by First Nations Women, who are 11-times more likely to be killed due to experiencing family violence than non-Indigenous women and 34-times more likely to be hospitalised because of the violence they face.
The fact that violence is still so prevalent in Australia and the impact that it has on women, children, their families and the community is a national disgrace that we must act on.
The Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with states and territories, has agreed to a goal of ending gender-based violence within a generation through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
Recognising that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children experience unacceptably high rates of violence, the Government will continue to work to deliver our commitment to a standalone Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Plan, in addition to outlining immediate actions to support First Nations women through a dedicated action plan under the current National Plan.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said a society where violence against women is not addressed, is a society where we are all degraded.
"The devastating impacts of gender-based violence aren't just felt by victim-survivors, they ripple out through communities and echo down through generations," Minister Gallagher said.
"Violence against women is by no means inevitable and it's important to reflect on action we can all take, not just to reduce the rate of violence, but to eliminate gender-based violence once and for all."
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said 95 per cent of people who have experienced physical or sexual violence name a man as the perpetrator.
"Gender-based violence is rooted in gender inequality and unequal power relations, particularly those that view women and girls as subordinate to men and boys. It's everybody's business to address the gendered dimensions that drive family, domestic and sexual violence," Minister Rishworth said.
"That is why we are highlighting the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and encouraging everyone to get involved in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence."
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said addressing the high rates of family, domestic and sexual violence is a priority for the Government.
"Sadly, we know that First Nations women and children are disproportionately affected by violence. This is a national shame," Minister Burney said.
"Part of the Government's response includes the critically important work being done in partnership with First Nations women to deliver a standalone action plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women and Children," Minister Burney said.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said the Government is proud to be taking action towards ending gender-based violence every day, including throughout the 16 Days of Activism.
"In line with this year's theme – UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls – we have united with state and territory governments and key stakeholders to release the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032," Assistant Minister Elliot said.
"Violence has no place in Australia and if we all continue to work together, we will eliminate gender-based violence."
The Government has already committed $1.7 billion for initiatives to support the implementation of the National Plan, and will continue to take action towards ending violence.
The National Plan is available on the Department of Social Services website.
More information on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is available on the United Nations Women website.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT 24-hours, 7 days a week on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.