The federal government has set new targets to reduce gender-based violence under a five-year plan launched today.
Launched by Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth, the plan aims to reduce the number of women killed by intimate partners by 25 per cent each year over five years.
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Twenty-five women died from violence inflicted by a current or former partner in the year to July 2021.
The number of women who have suffered from violence by an intimate partner is even more alarming, with one in four women abused since the age of 15, while three in five Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a male intimate partner.
To address gender-based violence among Indigenous women, a national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family safety will be established under a three-year-plan also launched today.
Indigenous women are six times more likely to be victims of homicide due to domestic violence than non-Indigenous women.
The plan also says Indigenous women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe welcomed the dedicated action plan for Indigenous Australians.
“It’s certainly well fought for by the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women out there,” she said.
“Our needs are different, and we need to have a dedicated resource and plan to stamping out not only gender-based violence, but the racism that comes with that when we seek help.”
If you, or anyone you know needs help with domestic and/or family violence, there are many resources available:
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
If you are in need of immediate assistance, call Triple Zero (000)