Motions

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (15:53): I move:

That this council—

1. Notes that Sunday 25 November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women;

2. Notes the unacceptable, shocking and persistent prevalence of violence against women across the globe; and

3. Commits to do all that it can to address gender inequality, to empower women and girls and to prevent violence against women.

I rise to move this private members' motion standing in my name because for far too long impunity, silence and stigma have allowed violence against women to escalate. It is one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations in our world today. This is so much so that in the 2017 session report on the progress towards sustainable development goals, the UN Secretary-General identified violence against women as one of the most extreme forms of discrimination currently being experienced across the globe.

The report, conducted between 2005 and 2016 across 87 countries, and the Secretary-General's Unite initiative have highlighted some alarming facts. Firstly, data collected from 56 of the countries showed that one in five girls aged between 15 and 19 years had experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner in the last 12 months prior to the survey. Secondly, mutilation and cutting practices, whilst declining, continue to remain prevalent affecting one in three girls aged between 15 and 19 years in the countries where the practice persists.

Thirdly, in 47 countries where relevant data was available only 53 per cent of women who were married or in a relationship were making their own decisions about consensual sexual relations and the use of contraceptives and health services. Finally, one figure that is particularly haunting is that 37 countries currently exempt perpetrators of rape from prosecution when they are married to or subsequently marry the victim.

Looking in our own backyard, the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics personal safety survey received responses from over 15,500 females. Of that, one in six had experienced violence by a partner since the age of 15 and one in four had experienced emotional abuse by a partner. The survey concluded that women in Australia are almost three times more likely to have experienced partner violence than men are and eight times more likely to experience sexual violence. Research shows that achieving gender equality can assist in preventing conflict, yet the UN remains concerned that despite the evidence actions for women's inclusion, leadership and protection remains inadequate.

One of the major challenges, as identified by the UN, for developing efforts to prevent and end violence against women is lack of funds, for without adequate resources how are we to bring real and significant changes in the lives of women and girls? How are we to help those most vulnerable? Frameworks such as the UN's sustainable development goals have recognised that the implementation of new legal frameworks regarding female equality in the workplace and the eradication of harmful practices targeted at women is crucial to ending the gender-based discrimination prevalent in many countries around the world.

Fears of retaliation, stigma and risks of experiencing shame and rejection from families and communities are commonly known challenges for movements against violence against women. Fortunately, in recent years there has been a drive for change within communities across the globe, garnering more visibility on the issue. The activity of grassroots survivor advocates including Me Too, Time's Up, Not One More and Balance Ton Porc reflect the determination and bravery being displayed for the common ideal to end the abuse and violence against women.

In response to the drive for change the theme this year, Hear Me Too, is to encourage people to create opportunities for dialogue between activists, policymakers and the public. Hear Me Too aims to build momentum in engagement with all committed parties to create meaningful opportunities and secure very specific commitments to end violence against women. Everyone in society has an important role to play to help end violence against women. To be able to do so properly we must all work together across sectors to address the various aspects of violence against women.

South Australia and Labor have a strong history in terms of having a strategic and comprehensive approach to violence against women in our state. We recognise that too many women suffer from violence in our community and that for it to end we must make it everybody's business. Furthermore, as a state government we recognise that we have a special responsibility. Accordingly, we built upon the reforms undertaken through the Women's Safety Strategy to improve our legislation and services, as well as develop a stronger focus on early intervention and prevention.

I am pleased that the government, as well as the crossbench, share the belief that state government has a special responsibility to ensure that all women in our state can live free from the fear and suffering that violence can inflict. I am equally pleased that the government has made the decision to continue with the work being undertaken in this area prior to March 2018, as is evident in recent legislation introduced on the matter.

In closing, there could not be a better time for the theme Hear Me Too to be selected for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. I look forward to the continuing efforts between all members in this place to be able to build further momentum and engagement with the tireless activists for women's rights in our state, to be able to create meaningful opportunities and to secure a commitment to end violence against women.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.