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Research

Our research

Violence against women and children affects everybody. It impacts on the health, wellbeing and safety of a significant proportion of Australians throughout all states and territories and places an enormous burden on the nation’s economy across family and community services, health and hospitals, income-support and criminal justice systems.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

News and events

ANROWS hosts events as part of its knowledge transfer and exchange work, including public lectures, workshops and research launches. Details of upcoming ANROWS activities and news are available from the list on the right.

ANROWS

About ANROWS

ANROWS was established by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments of Australia to produce, disseminate and assist in applying evidence for policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Resources

To support the take-up of evidence, ANROWS offers a range of resources developed from research to support practitioners and policy-makers in delivering evidence-based interventions.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Australian
policy context


A guide to Commonwealth, state and territory government frameworks and policies to end violence against women and children.


The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is an overarching national framework developed by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and the community to guide actions towards ending violence against women and children. It highlights how all parts of society must work together to achieve a shared vision of ending gender-based violence in one generation.

Alongside the National Plan, the Commonwealth, state and territory governments have additional frameworks and policies to reduce violence against women and their children within their jurisdictions.

 

These, along with information about the minister with portfolio responsibility for women and the prevention of violence and sexual assault, can be found below. See also current inquiries and submissions relevant to domestic and family violence and women’s safety.


Commonwealth

Contact Website Parliament
Phone number
Electorate
Phone number
Minister for Women Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher
Minister for Finance
Minister for the Public Service
Minister for Women from Tuesday 31 May 2022
Visit website (02) 6277 7400 (02) 6230 0411
Minister for Social Services The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services from Wednesday 1 June 2022
Visit website (02) 6277 7560 (08) 8186 2588
All Commonwealth
Government ministers
Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children
The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 The National Plan commits to 10 years of sustained action, effort and partnership across sectors and levels of government towards our vision of ending violence against women and children in one generation. It outlines what needs to happen to achieve our vision. This includes building the workforce, growing the evidence base and strengthening data collection systems, while delivering holistic, coordinated and integrated person-centred responses. To achieve this, we must listen to and be guided by victim-survivors and people with lived experience. Visit website
The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 A 12-year plan developed by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments along with the community to outline and connect the important work being done to reduce violence against women and their children. Its vision was that Australian women and their children live free from violence in safe communities. Over 12 years the National Plan aimed to achieve a significant and sustained reduction in violence against women and their children. Visit website
First Action Plan 2023-2027 The First Action Plan sets out the initial scope of activities, areas for action, and responsibility for outcomes under the new National Plan (2022-2032). It is underpinned by the First Action Plan Activities Addendum, which will be updated annually to track implementation, new activities, and investments committed to by the Australian, state, and territory governments under the National Plan 2023-2032. Visit website
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025 The dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan will work alongside the First Action Plan 2023-2027. It is intended to provide targeted action to address violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children. The development of this action plan was led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council on family, domestic, and sexual violence, and involved community engagement and consultation. Visit website
Outcomes Framework 2023-2032 The Outcomes Framework 2023-2032 links action under the National Plan 2023-2032 to intended outcomes. It supports tracking, monitoring, and reporting. Visit website
Theory of Change 2022-2032 The Theory of Change 2022-2032 provides an outline of how and why change is expected to occur under the National Plan 2023-2032. Visit website
"Stop it at the Start" campaign Stop it at the Start aims to help break the cycle of violence by encouraging adults to reflect on their attitudes and have conversations about respect with young people. The campaign is aimed at parents and family members of children aged 10 to 17, as well as the teachers, coaches, community leaders and employers of young people. Visit website

Australian Capital Territory

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women & Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence The Hon. Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Early Childhood Development
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs
Minister for Housing and Suburban Development
Minister for Women from January 2015
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence from October 2016
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Visit website (02) 6205 0233 N/A
All ACT Government ministers Visit website
The ACT Ministerial Advisory
Council on Women
Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
ACT Women's Plan 2016–26 The ACT Government is committed to removing barriers to enable women and girls to reach their potential, contribute to innovation and ideas and take up leadership positions. The ACT Women’s Plan 2016–26 articulates the ACT Government’s plan to achieving this commitment. Visit website

New South Wales

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault The Hon. Jodie Elizabeth Harrison, MP
Minister for Seniors
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault from 5 April 2023
Minister for Women from 5 April 2023
Visit website (02) 7225 6200 (02) 4942 1242
All NSW Government ministers Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
The NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027 The NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027 sets an agenda for preventing and responding to sexual violence and is intended to guide the work of the NSW Government, specialist organisations and workers, the broader workforce, community organisations, and all community members. Visit website
The NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022-2027 The NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022-2027 provides strategic direction and outlines focus areas for action on domestic and family violence across prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery and healing. Visit website
Domestic Violence Death Review Team The Domestic Violence Death Review Team (DVDRT) was established in 2010 under the Coroners Act 2009 (NSW) to review deaths occurring in the context of domestic violence in New South Wales. The review has both a qualitative (individual case) and quantitative review function. The DVDRT aims to develop and promote domestic violence intervention and prevention strategies so as to reduce the likelihood of deaths occurring in similar circumstances in the future, and to improve the response to domestic violence more generally. Visit website

Northern Territory

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence The Hon Kate Worden
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security
Minister for Renewables and Energy
Minister for Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
Minister for Essential Services
Minister for Sport
Visit website (08) 8936 5553 (08) 8999 6781
All NT Government ministers Visit website
The Office of Gender Equity and Diversity Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
The Northern Territory Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025 The Northern Territory Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025 is the first of its kind in the NT and lays the foundations for improving gender equality in the NT through five key focus areas for action. Visit website
Northern Territory’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018–2028: Safe, Respected and Free from Violence The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018–2028 represents the NT Government’s 10-year strategy to reduce domestic, family and sexual violence. It builds on the achievements of the NT Government’s previous domestic and family violence strategy ("Safety is Everyone’s Right). This new framework – Safe, Respected and Free from Violence – reflects the NT Government's combined efforts, knowledge and ideas to reduce violence and work together to achieve safer homes, communities, workplaces and schools. Visit website

Queensland

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women The Hon Shannon Fentiman
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services
Minister for Women
Visit website N/A (07) 3445 3100
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence The Hon Yvette D’Ath
Attorney-General
Minister for Justice
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
Visit website (07) 3719 7400 (07) 3448 7100
All Queensland Government ministers Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 is a vehicle to drive change across all sectors of the Queensland community. It sets the direction for collaborative action to end domestic and family violence in Queensland, encouraging partnerships between the government, community and business. The Strategy outlines a shared vision and a set of principles to guide action across government and the community, including a staged 10-year plan on how we will get there. Visit website
Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an end to domestic and family violence in Queensland In 2014, the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland, chaired by the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO, former Governor-General of Australia, was established. The Taskforce was requested to examine Queensland’s domestic and family violence support systems and make recommendations to the premier on how the system could be improved and future incidents of domestic violence could be prevented. The Special Taskforce provided its final report "Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an end to domestic and family violence in Queensland" to the premier on 28 February 2015, bringing its work to a close. Visit website
The Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board The Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board is responsible for the systemic review of domestic and family violence deaths in Queensland. The establishment of the board was a key recommendation from the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence's final report, "Not Now, Not Ever: Ending domestic and family violence in Queensland" (Queensland Government). Visit website

South Australia

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Katrine Hildyard MP
Minister for Child Protection
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing
Visit website (08) 8303 2926 N/A
All SA Government ministers Visit website
Office for Women Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
South Australia's Women's Safety Strategy 2011–2022 "A Right to Safety" outlines the reforms we will drive in South Australia as part of our commitment to the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (The National Plan). Following endorsement from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), the National Plan brings together government and community efforts across Australia to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women.

A new strategy is currently in development.
Visit website

Tasmania

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women The Hon Jo Palmer MLC
Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Minister for Community Services and Development
Minister for Disability Services
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence
Visit website (03) 6212 2346 (03) 6324 2002
Legislative Council Visit website
House of Assembly Visit website
Women in Tasmania Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
Survivors at the Centre: Tasmania’s Third Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan 2022-2027 Survivors at the Centre is the Tasmanian Government’s, coordinated, whole-of-government action plan to respond to family and sexual violence. Survivors at the Centre commits $100 million over five years for 38 actions to prevent and respond to family and sexual violence in Tasmania. These include innovative new actions, and enhanced actions from the previous Action Plan. Actions are guided by four key principles - partnership and transformation, capacity building, prevention and early intervention, and voice and diversity. Visit website

Victoria

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women The Hon. Natalie Hutchins
Minister for Jobs and Industry
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples
Minister for Women
Visit website (03) 7022 5600 (03) 9449 1511
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence The Hon Vicki Ward MP
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
Minister for Employment
Visit website N/A (03) 9439 1500
All Victorian Government ministers Visit website
Women Victoria Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
Free from violence: Victoria's prevention strategy The focus of this strategy is on preventing two overlapping and related forms of violence; family violence and violence against women. The scope of this strategy is primary prevention – preventing violence before it starts by focusing on settings where inequality and violent behaviour are shaped. Visit website
Ending Family Violence: Victoria’s Plan for Change "Ending Family Violence: Victoria’s Plan for Change" outlines how the Victorian Government will deliver the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations, ensure victim and survivor safety and build a future where Victorians live free from family violence. Visit website
Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-2023 The Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-2023 is a guide for the next three years of reform that will contribute to achieving a vision for a future where Victorians live free from family violence, outlined in "Ending Family Violence: Victoria’s Plan for Change". Visit website
Victorian Systemic Review of Family Violence Deaths The Victorian Systemic Review of Family Violence Deaths (VSRFVD) was established in 2009. It was introduced to assist Victorian coroners investigating family violence-related deaths involving children and adults. The aims of the VSRFVD are:
  1. to examine deaths suspected to have resulted from family violence;
  2. to identify risks and contributory factors associated with deaths resulting from family violence;
  3. to identify trends and patterns in deaths resulting from family violence;
  4. to identify trends and patterns in responses to family violence;
  5. to provide coroners with information obtained through the exercise of the VSRFVD’s functions described in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d).

The VSRFVD is led by the state coroner of Victoria.
Visit website
Safe and Strong, Victoria’s Gender Equality Strategy "Safe and Strong, Victoria’s Gender Equality Strategy" sets out a framework for enduring and sustained action over time. We aim to progressively build the attitudinal and behavioural change required to reduce violence against women and deliver gender equality. The Strategy draws on global evidence of what works in gender equality. Visit website

Western Australia

Contact Website Parliament
phone number
Electorate
phone number
Minister for Women’s Interests The Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC
Minister for Finance
Minister for Commerce
Minister for Women’s Interests
Visit website (08) 6552 5700 N/A
Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence The Hon Sabine Winton BA BPS MLA
Minister for Early Childhood Education
Minister for Child Protection
Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence
Minister for Community Services
Visit website (08) 6552 6100 (08) 9405 1244
All WA Government ministers Visit website
Strategy to end violence against women and their children Visit website
Path to Safety: Western Australia’s Strategy to Reduce Family and Domestic Violence 2020-2030 Path to Safety: Western Australia’s Strategy to Reduce Family and Domestic Violence 2020-2030 outlines a whole-of-government and community plan to reduce and respond to family and domestic violence over the next decade in Western Australia. The Strategy will be supported by three Action Plans. Visit website
Family and Domestic Violence Fatality Review On 1 July 2012, the ombudsman commenced a new role to review family and domestic violence (FDV) fatalities. A FDV fatality is a death that is caused directly or indirectly by a person who was in a family or domestic relationship with the deceased. The ombudsman has a number of functions in relation to the review of FDV fatalities: reviewing the circumstances in which FDV deaths occur, and why; identifying patterns and trends that arise from reviews of FDV deaths; and making recommendations to public authorities about ways to prevent or reduce FDV deaths. Visit website

National

National Plan partners Website
ANROWS was established under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022, along with the below organisations and programs
1800RESPECT 1800RESPECT is Australia’s first national and professional telephone and online counselling service established by the Commonwealth Government under the National Plan. Visit website
DV-alert DV-alert is the only nationally accredited and nationally delivered free training program designed to help health and allied health workers better understand and identify domestic and family violence and improve their referral and support skills. Visit website
Our Watch Our Watch is an independent, non-profit organisation established to raise awareness and engage the community in action to prevent violence against women and their children. Visit website
The Line The Line is Australia’s long-term, evidence-based social marketing campaign that encourages healthy, equal and respectful relationships by challenging and changing attitudes and behaviours that support violence against women. Visit website
National women's alliances Website
In Australia there are six National Women’s Alliances (the Alliances) who represent over 180 women’s organisations. They bring forward the views, voices and issues of Australian women and, in particular, women from marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The Alliances take the lead in ensuring that the voices of as many women as possible are heard, especially those who in the past have found it difficult to engage in advocacy and decision-making.
The Harmony Alliance The Harmony Alliance provides advocacy and support for migrant and refugee women. Visit website
The Australian Women Against Violence Alliance (AWAVA) AWAVA's focus is on addressing all forms of violence against women, to "ensure that all women and children are able to live free from all forms of violence and abuse". Visit website
Equality Rights Alliance Equality Rights Alliance is Australia’s largest network advocating for women’s equality, women’s leadership and recognition of women’s diversity. Visit website
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA) The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA) empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to have a strong and effective voice in the domestic and international policy advocacy process. Visit website
The National Rural Women's Coalition The National Rural Women's Coalition provides a collaborative voice for women living in rural, remote and regional Australia. Visit website
Economic Security4Women (eS4W) eS4W is a national women’s alliance united in the belief that economic wellbeing and financial security are essential for women and will enable women of all ages to have an equal place in society. Visit website
The Australian Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Network Website
The Australian Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Network was established in 2011 as an initiative of state and territory death review processes, and is endorsed by all state and territory coroners and the Western Australian ombudsman. Visit website
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