Historian Zoe Smith explores Australia’s long history of tackling domestic violence and the challenges that remain.
How has domestic violence moved on and off Australia’s political agenda for more than a century? Historian Dr Zoe Smith traces key turning points from the 1880s to today, examining reform efforts, national plans, prevention strategies, media coverage and what Australia might learn from overseas.
In this episode:
- Why domestic violence was described as a “national crime and a social menace” as early as 1904, and what changed after World War I.
- How the women’s movement helped push domestic violence back onto the national agenda in the 1970s.
- Why Australia’s first national plan was criticised, and what the current plan is doing differently.
- The growing focus on prevention, perpetrators, respectful relationships education and generational change.
- What Scotland and Spain’s long-term approaches reveal about the investment and commitment needed to reduce violence.
Listen to Australian and world news and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
Share
