Men, we have a problem: Australia’s escalating domestic violence crisis

There needs to be a shift from reactive policies to comprehensive reforms that address the causes of domestic violence, and genuine and sustained action which creates cultural change.

Domestic violence perpetrated by men against women and children remains an urgent and ongoing issue in Australia. Despite being widely recognised as a critical concern, efforts to address it have been frustratingly sluggish and often mired in political complexity and grandstanding. The impetus for reform, however, has never been clearer or more urgently needed.

In Australia, the magnitude of domestic violence is alarming. Reports and rallies, such as the recent “No More” gatherings in Canberra and other cities, underscore the pervasive nature of this crisis. The last major report, released in October 2022, culminated in a national plan to end violence against women and children. Yet, the subsequent actions have fallen short of the sweeping reforms needed. The federal government has now pledged significant funds, including $925 million aimed at helping victims escape abusive environments, and proposed legal changes to combat deep fake and violent pornography. These measures, while beneficial, are insufficient without a broader societal and cultural shift towards addressing the root causes of gender-based violence.

The political landscape surrounding domestic violence reforms is fraught with challenges and initiatives often become entangled in partisan debates, as seen in the discussions about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s attendance at the “No More” rally in Canberra. Political figures can, unfortunately, overshadow the core issues, with their presence at such events sparking controversy over intentions rather than focusing on the victims' needs. This recent politicisation diluted the momentum for change and distracted from the essential goal of protecting vulnerable individuals.

Cultural norms and societal behaviours play a substantial role in perpetuating domestic violence and the prevailing attitudes towards masculinity and violence need profound transformation. Current measures still place undue burden on women to protect themselves rather than addressing male aggression directly and it is this skewed responsibility which highlights the broader societal reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths about gender and power dynamics.

The political response to domestic violence is often reactive rather than preventive. While funding for victim support services is crucial, it does not address the systemic issues that give rise to violence in the first place. Issues such as alcohol abuse and gambling are frequently overlooked in discussions about domestic violence. These factors, coupled with financial stress and societal pressures, create environments where violence can thrive and addressing these contributing elements is essential for long-term change.

The integration of domestic violence policies across various sectors where government is involved is also vital. For instance, adequate housing policies and social support payments play a crucial role in providing safe alternatives for those seeking to escape abusive situations. Incremental policy changes and funding increases are steps in the right direction, but they must be part of a larger, more cohesive strategy that includes education, legal reform, and economic support.

According to the CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, Delia Donovan, tackling domestic violence in Australia requires many approaches that go beyond temporary fixes and addresses the underlying social, cultural, and economic factors. Political challenges must be navigated with a focus on bipartisanship and the common goal of eradicating violence. It is imperative for policymakers, community leaders, and all stakeholders to commit to sustained and meaningful action that ensures safety and justice for all affected individuals, and this commitment must be matched with accountability, comprehensive reforms, and a shift in societal attitudes to create a safe and equitable environment for women and children.

Should he stay or should he go? A reflection on leadership and community engagement

Political events such as rallies can serve as significant platforms for leaders to address pressing issues. However, they can also become pitfalls for political figures, as illustrated by Prime Minister's appearance the “No More” rally. This event highlighted not only the ongoing struggles against domestic violence in Australia but also the complexities and missteps in political leadership regarding sensitive societal issues.

At the rally, Albanese aimed to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing domestic violence, noting the substantial financial resources allocated to this cause, and spoke of government actions, such as funding for domestic violence workers and the implementation of domestic leave days. Yet, his speech, which spanned almost ten minutes, was criticised for being overly focused on financial commitments rather than offering substantive policy advancements or empathetic engagement with the audience’s concerns.

The rally turned contentious when the issue of whether Albanese should speak was put to the audience, revealing a lack of coordination and prior understanding between the organisers and the Prime Minister’s office. This situation was exacerbated when Albanese, in response to claims that he had not engaged with the event organisers—also asserting “well, I am the Prime Minister”—and such a defensive posture in a context that called for sensitivity and solidarity with victims of domestic violence exemplified a disconnect between political leadership and the needs of the community. And it was this action—whether it was intentional or not—the lead the media narrative throughout the days ahead, rather than the actual issue of domestic violence.

The aftermath of Albanese’s participation at the rally serves as a case study in the political challenges inherent in addressing important social issues such as domestic violence. The response to his speech and the dynamics at the event reflect a broader issue where political actions are often scrutinised through a partisan lens, regardless of the intentions behind them. Supporters of the Prime Minister may view his actions as appropriate within the constraints he faced, while critics may see his responses as inadequate or misjudged, highlighting the polarised nature of political discourse.

The “No More” rally highlighted a significant challenge in political leadership: the need for politicians to transcend party lines and genuinely engage with community issues in a manner that respects and amplifies the voices of those directly affected. In scenarios like these, political figures must navigate the delicate balance between speaking out on critical issues and stepping back to listen and learn from those living the realities of such crises.

This misstep by the Prime Minister—thoroughly and gleefully magnified by the mainstream media—reveals the intricate balance of political engagement with sensitive social issues. It exemplifies the potential for political disasters when leaders fail to align their rhetoric with the expectations and emotional contexts of their audiences. For meaningful progress in combating domestic violence, political leaders must not only advocate for policy changes and allocate funding but also demonstrate genuine solidarity and sensitivity towards the victims and advocates at the forefront of this struggle.

A call for immediate action and systemic change

Despite various government efforts over the years, the statistics on domestic violence remain deeply concerning. The recent increase in domestic violence homicides by 30 per cent over the past year and the overall rise in incidents since the onset of COVID-19 demand a reassessment of the efficacy and direction of current interventions.

The recurrence of domestic violence across all socio-economic brackets illustrates its pervasive nature, and it is not confined to any single demographic but is a widespread issue affecting many communities. The statistics are staggering: one in six women experience physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner, and economic abuse affects a similar number of women. These figures underline the severity of the crisis, which according to KPMG costs the Australian economy an estimated $26 billion annually.

Political inertia is also a significant barrier to progress, where governments tend to react rather than proactively address issues, often only mobilised by sustained public pressure and advocacy. This reactive stance has led to piecemeal solutions that fail to address the root causes of domestic violence or create sustainable change, and it is not only a matter of insufficient funding but also of misdirected efforts that do not tackle the structural issues enabling domestic violence.

A prime example of this was a recent summit hosted by the NSW Premier Chris Minns on women’s violence, which was primarily composed of male and religious leaders, and this exemplifies the missteps in addressing gender-based violence. The lack of representation of women, who are predominantly the victims of this violence, in such forums is a critical oversight that distorts the framing and solutions proposed for these issues.

Prominent voices in the field, such as academic and criminologist Vincent Hurley, have expressed frustration with the political handling of domestic violence, where they argue that extensive discussions and commissions, while necessary for oversight, often delay direct action that could provide immediate relief to victims. Hurley’s call for denying bail to individuals with a history of violence is an example of specific, actionable measures that can be implemented to protect victims more effectively.

The broader societal implications of domestic violence extend beyond immediate physical and emotional damage to long-term societal costs, including healthcare, lost productivity, and intergenerational trauma. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only law enforcement and judicial reforms but also educational and cultural changes to alter attitudes toward gender and violence.

The reduction of domestic violence in Australia is usually hindered by political, cultural, and systemic challenges, and the path forward must include a robust re-evaluation of funding allocations, legal frameworks, and community engagement strategies. It demands a shift from reactive policies to proactive, comprehensive reforms that address the underlying causes of domestic violence. This shift requires a commitment to genuine and sustained action, transcending political cycles and aiming for long-term cultural change. For real progress, it is crucial that all levels of government, supported by the community and advocacy groups, prioritise the safety and dignity of women and children, and aim to eradicate domestic violence entirely. Such an endeavour not only fulfills a moral obligation and a duty of care to all citizens but is essential for the health and wellbeing of society as a whole.