in brief
- Sexual violence reports have reached the highest rate since recording began in 1993.
- The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner deemed the family law system a "site of ongoing weaponisation and harm".
This article contains references to domestic and family violence and sexual assault.
Australians are continuing to experience "unacceptable levels of harm" in the areas of sexual violence and the family law and justice systems.
The nation's Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, released her third annual update to parliament on Wednesday, which found that progress made by governments and communities was not yet at the scale or pace needed to save lives.
It comes amid reports of sexual violence being at their highest level since national recording began 33 years ago.
The commission identified it as one of two "persistent" areas, alongside family law and justice systems, where people are experiencing unacceptable levels of harm.
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"The scale of sexual violence in Australia demands sustained national investment and action, commensurate with the scale of the problem," Cronin said.
"Collectively, we must send a clear message that these behaviours are not acceptable, and that people who have experienced sexual violence will be heard, treated with dignity and respect, and supported through their justice and healing journey."
The report notes almost six in 10 sexual assaults recorded by police occurred outside family and intimate partner relationships.
This underlined a "distinct national problem, not simply an extension of domestic and family violence".
Meanwhile, the family law system was also a "site of ongoing weaponisation and harm".
The commission pointed to "intense public and political conversation around institutional responses to sexual violence" and "misogynistic content influencing young people" as bolstering its call for sustained, rather than episodic, national attention to both sexual violence and the family law system.
It acknowledged the commitment made by political leaders at national cabinet to address sexual violence as a priority.
Eight recommendations were handed down to help inform the national plan to end violence against women and children by 2032.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek will point to actions already taken by the federal government, such as reforming family courts and social security, so women and children can rely on the systems.
"We have changed this country before. Now is the time to move together to change it again," she will say.
"We owe the women and children who have had their lives stolen by this violence more than our horror. We owe them action."
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
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