A Royal Commission could draw further attention to this epidemic, but we already know what needs to be done to reduce and eliminate violence against women: fund and roll-out nationwide prevention programs, fully fund frontline response services including crisis housing, and fix the justice system.
As stated by Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women, Larissa Waters
“Many state and federal parliamentary inquiries into violence against women and children have already been undertaken, creating many excellent recommendations that await implementation. The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Plan likewise contains laudable aspirations.
“A Royal Commission could further delay those urgent actions while women continue to die at the hands of men they know.
“If we want to stop women being murdered, we need to see the government cough up real funding increases in the upcoming budget that are guaranteed in the long-term.
“We need to properly fund crisis accommodation, so that women and children experiencing violence can find a safe place to sleep.
“We need to fund prevention services, to put an end to the gender inequality and culture of disrespect for women that exists in our society.
“We need to increase income support payments so that women trying to escape violence aren’t forced to choose between a violent home and poverty.
“These are real, concrete actions Labor can take now to keep women safe. Without waiting for a Royal Commission.”
