It's time for a national summit on violence against women and children

Labor renews its call for a national summit on violence against women and children following the shocking and tragic events of last week.

Australia is in mourning over this devastating attack on Hannah Clarke and her three children.

This needs to be called out for what it is – a terrible murder and a scourge on our society.

On average, more than one woman a week is murdered by a current or former partner.

This is a national crisis. On Saturday, yet another woman was murdered in a case of domestic violence in Townsville.

It’s not just the murders – it is the physical injuries; the disfigurement and maiming; the psychological abuse; the trauma that children are left with for the rest of their lives. 

It pervades all sections of the community and all aspects of life.

This is why Labor has always embraced a whole-of-community approach to ending family violence and violence against women.

Women must have the necessary support at home; in the workplace; and through our courts.

It requires fundamental cultural and attitudinal change through awareness and education of both young and old.

Men will be an integral part of the solution, and change-behaviour programs are an important first step.

Government and business; communities and individuals – everyone has a role to play.

It requires genuine commitment and leadership to ensure this matter does not fall off the national agenda.

Family violence support services:

  • 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

  • Lifeline 131 114

  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

  • MensLine 1300 78 99 78

ANTHONY ALBANESE, LINDA BURNEY & JULIE COLLINS

MEDIA RELEASE - MONDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 2020

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