Who we are

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety Limited, or ANROWS, was established as an initiative of Australia’s first National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 (National Plan) by the Commonwealth Government and all state and territory governments of Australia.  

We build the evidence base that supports ending violence against women and children in Australia. ANROWS is a partner to the National Plan and continues to deliver and develop this function across the next decade under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

Every aspect of our work is motivated by the right of women and children to live free from violence and in safe communities. We recognise, respect and respond to diversity among women and children. We work to recognise and amplify the strength and knowledge that exists in First Nations Communities.

ANROWS is registered as a harm prevention charity and deductible gift recipient, governed by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).

 

Our CEO

Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine

Tessa was born and grew up on unceded Gadigal land (Sydney), where she lives again after living overseas including in England, China and India.

Prior to joining ANROWS in 2024, Tessa was the founding CEO of Health Justice Australia, the national centre for health justice partnership. Originally a criminologist, she has worked in health, criminal justice and human rights organisations in Australia and internationally.

She was previously Deputy CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service and was the inaugural Fulbright Professional Scholar in Nonprofit Leadership. Tessa’s PhD looked at the detention and release of mentally disordered offenders.

Tessa is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and combines her passions for enabling young people to thrive and for arts and culture as Deputy Chair of the Board of Gondwana Choirs, the leader in Australian choral performance.

Tessa’s TEDx on health justice partnership explains why seeing a lawyer might be good for your health and her TEDx on philanthropy through partnership argues against ‘bizsplaining’ and builds on her work as the inaugural Fulbright Professional Scholar in Nonprofit Leadership.