A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has again highlighted the hurt and impact of domestic and family violence across Australia.
LNP Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Stephen Bennett said it was clear more needed to be done, at all levels, to increase awareness and protect victims.
"As a father and grandfather, I find it shocking and saddening that one in six girls and one in nine boys will experience some form of violence or abuse before the age of 15," Mr Bennett said.
"While many men are also being victimised, it’s made abundantly clear in the report women are at greater risk of family, domestic and sexual violence.
"Indigenous Australians, especially women, are particularly vulnerable.
"The report shows that for a two year period, one woman a week was being killed at the hands of a current or former partner.
"That’s why I’m so proud of LNP laws passed through the Parliament last year which better protected the community by toughening bail rules for DV offenders, fitting them with trackers and introducing urgent appeals rights for victims."
Mr Bennett said it was incumbent on all levels and sides of government to take action on this important issue.
"When you consider family violence has a national cost of $22 billion, on top of the hurt and pain it inflicts on many people’s lives, we can’t afford to stand still," he said.
"How many more of these types of reports do we need before we see some significant action on this issue?"
"Investment in prevention, providing better support networks and investigating law changes that get tougher on offenders and protect victims and their families all need to be looked at."
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report can be accessed at this link:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/domestic-violence/family-domestic-sexual-violence-in-australia-2018/contents/table-of-contents
