The National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, today warned that economic and global uncertainty creates heightened risk for domestic, family and sexual violence.
“We know that when households face rising financial stress, housing insecurity, and instability, the risk of violence increases” Commissioner Cronin said.
“We also know that people are likely to experience violence for the first time in times of crisis like this.
“Governments must ensure that services are supported to respond, and that these elevated risks are considered in our efforts to support the community at this time.”
Commissioner Cronin said she was working with the Australian Government on making sure that domestic, family and sexual violence is being monitored and considered in the government response to the crisis.
“I am aware the Australian Government is monitoring for any increases in domestic, family and sexual violence prevalence in national services since the fuel crisis began.”
Commissioner Cronin called on all Australian governments to continue to consider domestic, family and sexual violence in their responses to the fuel crisis.
“I urge governments to focus on women and children’s safety as a core part of the broader response to the economic environment. Domestic, family and sexual violence is not a siloed women’s issue. It is an economic and national resilience issue.
“Economic policy is violence‑prevention policy”
“The settings governments choose – on tax, housing, income support, cost‑of‑living relief and industrial policy – all shape the pressures inside households and communities. When those decisions are made without a domestic, family and sexual violence lens, risk can rise in ways that are foreseeable and avoidable,” said Commissioner Cronin.
Commissioner Cronin said it is also important for the broader community to understand the increased risk of violence at this time.
“People experiencing violence will usually disclose first to friends and family they know and trust. Being heard and believed is the first critical step to safety. This can be particularly important when people are facing greater barriers to leaving violence” Commissioner Cronin said.
Commissioner Cronin will continue to engage with frontline services to understand any changes to community safety and work with government to ensure a coordinated effort.
ENDS
Media Contact
Luke Ablett - 0455 176 298, [email protected]
Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact details:
Luke Ablett 0455 176 298