Most Australians agree domestic violence is as much or more of a threat than terrorism, according to new polling.
The survey, conducted by Essential Media for campaigning group Fair Agenda, tested what 1000 people thought of the comparison, made by Australian of the Year Rosie Batty.
Nearly 75 per cent of those polled last month believe domestic violence is either more of a threat than terrorism or about the same.
That's compared to 18 per cent who said it was less of a threat.
Fair Agenda's Executive Director Renee Carr believes the result highlight the discrepancy between the scale of the epidemic and government action.
"It's unbelievable that with a rising murder rate, and all the talk about addressing this issue, governments still aren't fully funding frontline services to keep women safe," she said in a statement.
Ms Batty, who accepts there is no shortage of goodwill from the country's leaders, said the nation must reassess its priorities and words need to be put into action.
"We're spending hundreds of millions extra on the war on terrorism, but women who fear for their safety are still being turned away from services because of a lack of funds," she said.
The group wants to see an investment of $33 million for specialist homelessness services, $28 million for legal service units to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, as well as $12 million for indigenous parenting and family safety programs.
*If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. For more information about a service in your state or local area download the DAISY App in the App Store or Google Play.
Share
