The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to working with the community to create a safer environment for women and children, free from violence.
Today, I was pleased to launch the Tasmanian Government’s response to the Second Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
Moving Ahead, Tasmania’s Second Implementation Plan will focus on primary prevention, complementing national efforts to drive change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that underpin violence against women and children.
Working with our culturally diverse communities is also important, and it was great to launch Moving Ahead today alongside the Migrant Resource Centre.
The Second Action Plan has a strong focus on initiatives to improve the understanding of the diverse experiences of violence for culturally and linguistically diverse women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and women with disability.
Research shows physical violence affects as many as one in three Australian women, and sexual assault affects one in five women over the age of 15.
Shockingly, on average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner across Australia.
This is why it is so important that we support the National Plan and make every effort to reduce violence against women and children.
One initiative that has been developed as part of the National Plan, in collaboration with all state and territory governments, is the 1800RESPECT Daisy app.
This app connects women around Australia who are experiencing violence to services in their own state.
In addition to improving support services in Tasmania, the Government is also investing $100,000 a year over three years in Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety to improve policy development especially for women in diverse populations.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line 1800 633 937 or visit www.1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, always call 000.