Violence Against Women
Violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights, one in three women will suffer some form of violence in her lifetime becoming part of an epidemic that devastates lives, fractures communities and stalls development. Despite some progress on this issue over the past decade, its horrendous scale remains mostly unacknowledged.Forms of violence against women include domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual violence, harmful traditional practices including female genital mutilation (FGM) and dowry murders, HIV/AIDS violence, violence against women and children in armed conflict and the trafficking of women and girls.
There has been much attention on the use of women and children as weapons of war during armed conflict resulting in the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (SCR) 1325, 1820, 1888 1889.
Here in Australia we are not immune to this gross human rights violation. One in three women will be affected by physical violence and almost one in five women will be affected by sexual violence during their lifetimes. In 2009 the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children set up in 2008 released its National Action Plan, Time for Action. This plan focuses on actions including investment in primary prevention and the justice system focussing on developing respectful relationships, fair outcomes and safe communities.
For more Information on Violence Against Women, please see the resources below
Violence Against Women Factsheet
Learn more about violence against women, types of violence, what is being done in our region to combat this horrendous epidemic.(2928 KB)
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Read more about the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children report: A Time for Action. This document is a snapshot of the recommendations made by the council.(50 KB)
