With You We Can

Yesterday, I joined advocates and activists marching through the streets of Gadigal/Sydney to demand change. This year, 54 women have been killed by gender-based violence, double the number since the last rallies organised in April by What Were You Wearing? - Australia. It was an honour to hear from Mehreen Faruqi (pictured), Sarah Brown MNZM, Ashlee Donohue, Sarah Rosenberg, Katia Schwartz, and Hala A. You were all so captivating, fierce and honest. The government must respond to the demands to support organisations that need it most. Marginalised communities are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised for violence-related injuries than non-Indigenous women. Women living with disability are twice as likely to experience sexual violence over their lifetimes compared to those without disabilities. People in the LGBTQIA+ community face significantly heightened rates of violence. It is estimated that one-third of women from refugee and migrant backgrounds have experienced intimate partner violence. Domestic and family violence is a leading driver of homelessness for women, and intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability, and illness in women aged 25 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor. The list of harrowing statistics goes on. Despite the government spending nearly $300 million on gendered violence prevention over the past decade, the rates of sexual assault have risen for the 12th consecutive year, and in 2022/23, the number of women killed by an intimate partner increased by almost 30%. We do not need more research to confirm that we have a significant problem and that lives are at risk. We do not need another rapid review, inquiry, or roundtable discussion. For decades, we have been calling for action, not just Band-Aid solutions. We need more funding for frontline services. We need tailored approaches that are relevant and culturally appropriate for different communities. We need system and law reforms, and better support for women who want to leave abusive relationships. We need education that goes beyond awareness raising and equips young people with skills to engage in ethical sexual experiences and intimate relationships. These are among many other prevention approaches that when implemented appropriately, can work together to address gender-based violence. We need action now.

Rockstar wife appreciation post. On Saturday Stacey put on the Gold Coast Anti-Violence Against Women Rally. Hundreds of people turned out, news crews showed up, many speakers, including Stace, spoke. I could not have done it. I wouldn’t have done it. Balancing career and family, there’s never anything left over. So to give your time to causes like this is best left to those who can spare the time. Then Stace told me she’d taken this rally on and I felt ashamed. Then she pulled it off spectacularly and I felt humbled. We have the same family, same premmy toddler and same executive level careers. But she found time and space. 54 women have been murdered by a man this year and there will be another 50 before Christmas. If my wife can plan and execute a protest rally, the men in my network can tell that one mate with the sexist joke that it’s not on. The men in my network can educate their sons. The men in my network can help save the next woman’s life.

As a member of Our Watch’s Changing the Landscape Project Advisory Group (PAG), I am pleased to share that Our Watch and Women with Disabilities Victoria have today, launched the Changing the Landscape 'Framework for Action to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls with Disabilities' AND suite a practice resources. The Framework for Action and practice resources draw on the original Changing the landscape framework and existing strategies, plans and reforms (including the Disability Royal Commission recommendations) and provide practical suggestions for how governments, policy makers, prevention practitioners, services and the community can help address and prevent violence against women and girls with disabilities. The Framework and resources were informed by consultations with government and non-government stakeholders and supported by a Project Advisory Group, of which I was a member. After several years of working on this project, I am excited to see these resources launched today and look forward to seeing how they can drive change in the prevention of violence against women and girls with disabilities.” Learn more about Changing the Landscape and access the resources at: https://lnkd.in/gy6k3JEF Down the Framework for action directly at: https://lnkd.in/gPu9FhvB #ChangingTheLandscape #DisabilityRights #ViolencePrevention #SRHR #StopTheViolence #WomenWithDisabilities #UNCRPD #CEDAW [Image: A navy blue background with white text and a green speech bubble. The title reads ‘Let’s start the conversation by…’ and inside the speech bubble text reads ‘following the lead of women and girls with disabilities,’ Underneath, a cream rectangle at the bottom of the tile with the Our Watch and Women with Disabilities Victoria logos.]

54 women and 9 children have died as a result of men’s violence so far this year. By this time next week, this number is likely to have risen again. Enough is enough. Today I joined hundreds of people in Sydney who came together as part of What Were You Wearing? - Australia’s national rallies to collectively say: no more. We won’t stand for it. We won’t accept it. We won’t stop fighting against it. Such a powerful and emotive day with an inspiring line up of speakers: Mehreen Faruqi, Sarah Brown MNZM (She is not your rehab), Ashlee Donohue, Sarah Rosenberg (With You We Can), Hala A. and Katia Schwartz.

Now is the time for collective action. 54 women have died this year at the hands of men. We know this because Sherele Moody bends over backwards, without pay, to learn from femicide victims’ loved ones, and share their stories so we do not forget their names. Join What Were You Wearing? - Australia’s rally tomorrow, one of 27 across the country. Sarah Williams Ashlee Donohue Sarah Brown Hala A. With You We Can She is not your rehab Institute of non-violence

Hi all, I am inviting stakeholders who supports First Nation women through various systems, including health, youth justice, probation and parole, domestic and family violence, sexual assault services, policy, legislation, advocacy, and legal services to be a part of a Yarning circle. The research is on the Intersecting factors of Coercive Control for First Nation woman. If you would like to be involved or know more information, please contact me on hannah.taylor@uq.edu.au

Yes, importantly in Queensland the new coercive control offence (legislated but being operationalised in 2025), may provide additional legal options in cases of intimate partner sexual violence, in these two ways: 1. A coercive control offence could be brought alongside a stand alone offence of rape or sexual assault (or other offence) and this will provide additional support of the coercive nature of the relationship for the jury's consideration; and 2. A coercive control offence could work in a similar way as a persistent child sexual abuse offence but for adults. As a course of conduct offence, the levels of particularisation required are not as high given the regularity of abuse, and the impact of trauma on memory. The Police and ODPP would require specific training about these issues to support such an approach.

There are some very useful findings in this research for higher education providers who are revisiting their sexual violence responses in anticipation of the final Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education (which I hope is all higher ed providers!). Critically, the evidence is clear that institutions, such as higher education providers, can - and should - play a significant role in helping student victim-survivors recover from sexual violence. "Survivors emphasised that in order to recover, they were not the only ones who needed to change. Many said their own ability to recover was shaped by the responses of the perpetrator, institutions and society; as one participant said: ‘it’s on the system and educating men as well’ (Survivor 21). Participants suggested recovery not only involved gaining relief from psychological or physical distress, but also seeing accountability from the perpetrator, along with social recognition of the wrong done to them."

Today marks an exciting new chapter for Australia's modern slavery response - people who have experienced modern slavery are now able to be referred via the pilot Additional Referral Pathway to the Support for Trafficked People Program, instead of solely via the AFP. The Salvation Army Australia is proud to lead this program. Congratulations to everyone who has advocated for this systemic change over many years, especially everyone who was part of the Additional Referral Pathway Working Group chaired by Australian Red Cross! Victim-survivors and people supporting victim-survivors can connect with the Additional Referral Pathway by calling 1800 000 277 in business hours or emailing arp@salvationarmy.org.au (email preferred for referrals from service providers). People can also connect to the ARP through consortium partners Anti-Slavery Australia, Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights, Project Respect Australia and Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association Our website: https://lnkd.in/gsSGGNsg Melina Matthia Heather MooreYvette Proud Jennifer Burn AM Nesreen Bottriell Carolyn Gowers Mish Pony Lina Garcia Daza Kyla Raby Robyn Ormerod Christine Carolan Lighthouse Foundation Eleni Argy Jenny Stanger Laura VidalJames Cockayne Sarah S Moe Turaga Neenu Thomas Lorrinda Hamilton Lilly Mckeich Meg Abercromby

Very exhausted and very inspired after our first day of lived experience consultations in Brisbane for the TIPAA project - enacting recommendations from the Women's Safety & Justice Taskforce of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General QLD. We're developing and evaluating a state-wide model for a victim advocacy service and an integrated response to sexual assault, with lived experience at the centre. A big thank you to Carolyn Robinson and the team at Beyond DV Ltd for hosting us. You've created such a special place for victim-survivors to connect, heal and establish a life for themselves after abuse. In awe of your work!! Deakin Network Against Gendered Violence Associate Professor Mary Iliadis Dr. Lata Satyen Arjita Sharda Renee Fiolet Jessamy Gleeson Dr Sam Monteiro