The Victorian Women's Health Services Network (WHSN) welcomes the Expert Panel's comprehensive review on ending gender-based violence. We commend the panel's emphasis on prevention and its recognition of the systemic nature of this critical issue. The recommendations aim to expedite progress, and we believe this progress must be built on the solid foundations of evidence, experience, existing work and expertise.
As longstanding leaders in the field, we are excited by the opportunities this report presents for further advancing our collective work. The WHSN brings to the table a wealth of primary prevention experience, robust evaluation practices, and evidence-based strategies that align closely with the panel's recommendations particularly in enhancing culturally informed responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people impacted by intersecting barriers and discrimination. We must acknowledge concerns that have been raised about the exclusion of a range of communities in the review process and we call for respectful inclusion as we support the progress of the recommendations.
Primary prevention is complimentary to early intervention, response, and recovery. Each of these domains require different expertise and employ different approaches, and all need appropriate investment and support. Our capability in implementing prevention programs is well-established in Victoria. We have been at the forefront of adopting and refining the Change the Story framework, which has gained significant traction across our state. This approach, grounded in evidence, has proven effective in addressing the root causes of gender-based violence. We are committed to the Change the Story framework due to its strong evidence base, and we remain open to evolving our practices as new research comes to light. This flexibility ensures our strategies remain cutting-edge and maximally effective.
We applaud the recognition of children's needs in the prevention landscape. This aligns with our holistic approach to prevention, intervention and support that is centred on the lived experience and barriers facing so many women in community.
Looking forward, we are eager to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to translate these recommendations into practice. Our day-to-day experience in implementing prevention strategies provides invaluable insights into the practical application of theoretical frameworks.
The WHSN is committed to continuous improvement, with a particular focus on centring the voices of those with lived experience. We believe this approach is crucial for developing truly effective and impactful primary prevention strategies.
As we move forward, we see a significant opportunity to incorporate Victoria's robust evidence base into future national strategies. Our state's unique context and successful initiatives offer valuable lessons that will enhance prevention efforts across Australia.
We stand ready to contribute our expertise and placed based experience; our deep community connections and partnerships, and our commitment to evidence-based practice to drive tangible results. While the national conversation is welcome, it's time to translate words into deeds. By leveraging the strengths identified in this report, we can and must take decisive steps toward a future free from gender-based violence. The time for action is now.
Further Information
- Learn more about the Victorian Women’s Health Services
- See the evidence of our collective impact including our work in family violence using primary prevention please read our evaluation report.
- Review our economic case and that describes the value and return to all of the Victorian community, of our work.
- Read about how we work with individuals, communities and across systems and structures
Key Facts:
WHSN commends Expert Panel's focus on prevention: The Women's Health Services Network (WHSN) welcomes the Expert Panel's emphasis on prevention and systemic change to expedite progress in ending gender-based violence.
Expertise in Primary Prevention: WHSN, with extensive experience in primary prevention, aligns closely with the panel's recommendations, particularly in enhancing culturally informed responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and those facing intersecting barriers.
Commitment to evidence-based frameworks: WHSN remains committed to the "Change the Story" framework, while staying adaptable to new research, ensuring that strategies to prevent gender-based violence remain cutting-edge and effective.
Call for action: WHSN urges the swift translation of recommendations into practice, offering its expertise and community connections to drive impactful, evidence-based prevention efforts across Victoria and beyond.
About us:
About Women's Health Services Network
The Women's Health Services Network has been a driving force progressing and shaping Victoria’s women’s health and equality space for four decades. While our services were established and funded independently of one another, collaboration has been a strong part of our history. Today, the 12 women’s health services funded through the state government’s Victorian Women’s Health Program collaborate under the title the ‘Victorian Women’s Health Services Network’. This enables us to work as a coordinated, mutually-reinforcing statewide network comprising both place-based and specialist services.
Contact details:
Key Contact
Kit McMahon
CEO, Women's Health in the South East
M: 0408 250 272
