According to Destroy the Joint, 41 women have now been murdered in Australia by men, with many of them knowing their murderer.
This number affects all of us, and it seems to finally have struck a chord in the minds of members of Parliament.
NSW has been the first state to make movements toward changing certain systematic procedures in order to support women who have experienced domestic abuse. Premier Mike Baird stated how important the issue was:
“The statistics tell a story beyond words. The loss of a single life is enough to require action from everyone, but to lose a life every week and current stats suggest two a week this year, well it’s beyond words,” Mr Baird said. He also ensured that the State government of NSW would do more to support victims of domestic violence.
Now, two things have happened.
Firstly, from June 1, survivors of domestic violence or any gendered attack will be able to give evidence in court via video or audio link. This would obviously support women who are not yet ready to face their attacker, and it could potentially also lower the chances of the woman dropping the charges out of fear or emotional trauma.
Secondly, 60 participants from police, legal groups and non-for-profit organisations met at State Parliament today to look into the option of creating a local domestic abuse register. This means that women could check the name of their partner, to see if they have any counts of domestic abuse or assault on the record. Police would hold the records.
The Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse, Pru Goward, said that she hoped for fast movement, so the register could have legislation in Parliament by the end of the year. However, she did state that there is legal, ethical and privacy issues that first have to be figured out.
But regardless, there is obviously a long way to go, but these are steps in the right direction. Let’s hope other states follow in NSW’s footsteps.
41 lives is 41 too many.
Domestic violence is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or to Lifeline on 131 114.
via ABC
Image: Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
