In brief
- One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has rejected claims she downplayed domestic violence in a radio interview.
- Criticism of Hanson's comments from domestic violence experts and advocates was swift and fierce.
Pauline Hanson has denied downplaying the scourge of domestic violence after labelling the issue a "two-way street", as advocates warn the politician's framing is dangerous.
The One Nation leader is facing criticism from experts over comments she made about domestic violence, which Hanson claimed had been taken out of context by media outlets.
"Domestic violence is wrong, but it's also a two-way street," she told 4BC radio on Wednesday.
"Domestic violence is a scourge, but look ... if you're not in a house where you feel safe ... then you shouldn't put up with it.
"If these women are getting abused by men out there, then don't put up with it."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody said she was sorry Hanson had also experienced domestic violence, with the national crisis affecting one in four women and girls in Australia, but criticised her message.
"Any suggestion that victim-survivors share the blame is harmful, wrong, and dangerous," she said.
"Domestic violence is never the responsibility of the person experiencing it. Just this month, two women and two girls have been allegedly murdered."
Women's Community Shelters chief executive Annabelle Daniel said the evidence was clear that domestic and family violence is a gendered issue.
"With Australia in the grip of a housing affordability crisis, it's nowhere near as easy as 'just leave'," she said.
"Affordable housing, professional support and community inclusion prevent women becoming homeless because of domestic and family violence in the first place and support their recovery after abuse."
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Hanson said there is a "concerted effort by some in the media to constantly take my comments out of context".
"But some within rival media decided to use only a few quotes and made out that I downplayed domestic violence," she said.
"That's untrue, hence why it's important that people hear the whole interview."
The One Nation leader linked the declining trust in media to recently announced job cuts at Nine newspapers.
"I'm growing less tolerant of many journalists within the [mainstream media] and so too are the public," she said.
Hanson also walked back a number of comments on different issues, including paid parental leave and increasing defence spending to 5 per cent of the nation's economic output.
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.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
