House of Assembly Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Question Time Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Ms HOOD House of Assembly Adelaide Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. How is the government working to raise awareness of domestic, family and sexual violence? The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD House of Assembly Reynell Minister for Child Protection Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:45): I thank the member for her question. As is every member of our government, she is deeply committed to working together with our community and the sector to help prevent and end violence against women. Domestic, family and sexual violence is pervasive, gendered and has horrific consequences for women and children. It is not acceptable and it is preventable. Monday marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence—a time when communities right around the world are urged to gather, act, speak up and use their spheres of influence to drive change. And drive change together, we must, because the fact that one woman is killed every four days in this country is devastating and a call to relentless action. Communities in South Australia are heeding this call, with events spanning candlelight vigils, education sessions and marches in locations including the Adelaide Hills, Gawler, Port Noarlunga, Mount Gambier, Berri and Goolwa. Our government is heeding the call and acting through our comprehensive legislation, policy and investment reform, and through the institution of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. And while that crucial process continues, we are continuing to innovate and do more. Across online platforms and through bus shelter advertising, the state government is leading work to deliver key messages to inform older women at risk of violence and those around them. Sadly, we know that violence perpetrated against older women has often spanned their lifetime and that there is a burden of shame and conditioning that can prevent them from speaking up and finding support. Crucial research through a partnership between the state government and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) has identified gaps in service provision and the dissemination of educational materials will raise awareness that older women do not have to suffer in silence, that help is out there. I thank COTA for their work on these essential tools. This past week I have also spoken with incredible young women from culturally diverse backgrounds who have participated in a program designed to raise understanding of coercive control. Multicultural Youth SA's Community Circles program, supported by the state government, has provided a safe forum for young women to learn together about coercive control in intimate relationships. Coercive control is an insidious form of violence that can manifest in many ways and look different in different relationships. That is why it is essential we empower the unique voices and experiences of diverse communities in our quest to raise awareness about coercive control. The theme of this year's 16 Days of Activism, #NoExcuse, highlights the importance of all of us supporting one another to individually and collectively create lasting change. Although attitudes about violence against women are slowly improving, we have a long way to go. We know that online misogyny is rife and chipping away at every respectful relationship program we run. We know women continue to be harmed, forced to flee their homes and tragically murdered, and we know the impact violence has on children. Our government has progressed reform. We have progressed comprehensive legislative reform to combat violence and establish crucial support through our hubs, perpetrator intervention programs, court assistance services, and work to tackle housing insecurity. We very much look forward to the recommendations of the royal commission and we will relentlessly continue our work to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence.