18 November 2025

Jane Howlett, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence

The Tasmanian Government has welcomed the release of Our Watch’s Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women Data Snapshot, which provides a comprehensive picture to date of Tasmania’s progress in preventing violence before it occurs.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, Jane Howlett, said the snapshot is an important tool for guiding long-term reform.
“This work offers a clear view of where Tasmania is making progress and where more action is needed,” Minister Howlett said.
“I want to thank Our Watch for their ongoing partnership and the expertise they bring to this shared effort.
“The snapshot shows we are strengthening the foundations needed to prevent violence in the long term.
“We have improved our laws, strengthened accountability, and embedded Respectful Relationships and consent education across our schools.
“Women’s representation on government boards has reached parity and our gender pay gap is now among the lowest in the country.”
The data also reinforces the scale of the challenge.
Almost 43 per cent of Tasmanian women have experienced violence since the age of 15.
“That figure is unacceptable and we remain steadfast in creating a Tasmania that is free from violence,” Minister Howlett said.
“Some short-term indicators are improving, but reducing violence over the long term requires sustained effort and genuine whole-of-community commitment.
“The snapshot highlights that increased reporting to police and services is expected at this stage of the prevention journey.
“As community understanding grows and trust in the system improves, more women feel confident to come forward. That is a positive sign.
“Over time, as prevention work becomes embedded, we expect both reporting and actual rates of violence to decline.”
The Tasmanian Government will continue to build on the prevention-focused work underway through Survivors at the Centre, Tasmania’s third Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan.
This snapshot helps shape the next stage of our prevention agenda. It confirms the importance of strong coordination, a capable workforce and long-term investment, and it strengthens our partnership with Our Watch as we work toward lasting change.
“Violence against women is not inevitable. With the right leadership and the right investment, Tasmania can prevent it. This snapshot is an important step in that direction,” Minister Howlett said.