Photo via 3cr.org

Gender-based violence (GBV) in Australia affects millions of individuals each year. It manifests in various forms, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. Despite growing awareness and calls for change, the rates of violence against women remain alarmingly high. 

In 2021–2022 alone in Australia, one in four women experienced intimate partner violence and one in five women experienced sexual violence. One in four women has experienced emotional abuse from a partner since the age of 15. The numbers are even more distressing for marginalised groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 3.1 times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women.

Learn about the multiple forms of gender-based violence and the Change.org campaigns that are helping to amplify the voices of survivors and advocates across Australia, driving the systemic change needed to end violence against women.

Forms and Examples of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence can take many forms, each contributing to the broader societal issue of inequality. These forms include physical, sexual, and psychological harm. Understanding these forms is critical to recognising the problem’s full scope and developing prevention and support strategies.

Sexual Harassment

Workplace sexual harassment is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that causes harm or distress to the victim and is classified as a form of gender-based violence. This can include inappropriate comments, unwanted advances, and non-consensual physical contact. 

In Australia, one in two women has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. This type of violence often occurs in the workplace, with women frequently facing sexual harassment from colleagues or superiors, creating hostile environments that stifle career growth and personal well-being.

The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work report highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. It led to legal reforms, such as amendments to the Fair Work Act to prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a broad term that encompasses sexual assault, rape, and any sexual act committed without consent. It is one of the most traumatic forms of gender-based violence, with devastating long-term effects on victims. In Australia, one in five women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Alarmingly, 91% of these incidents are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, such as a partner, family member, or acquaintance.

The issue of sexual violence is particularly pressing for marginalised groups. LGBTQIA+ people and women with disabilities are at heightened risk, with violence often compounded by additional layers of discrimination based on their identities. Female genital mutilation is another harmful practice included under the umbrella of sexual violence. 

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to any form of abuse — whether physical, sexual, emotional, or economic — committed by a current or former partner. IPV is one of the most common forms of domestic violence, and the statistics are staggering: one in six women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

IPV often involves coercive control, a pattern of controlling behaviour designed to dominate and intimidate the victim. This form of abuse can leave lasting psychological scars, even when physical violence is not present. Financial abuse is another severe form of IPV, significantly impacting various demographics, including women with disabilities, Indigenous women, and those from migrant backgrounds. 

Domestic and Family Violence

Domestic and family violence (DFV) encompasses a broader range of relationships than IPV, including violence between parents and children, siblings, and other family members. DFV can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as coercive control. 

In Australia, 20% of adults reported experiencing family or domestic violence since the age of 15. The impact of DFV extends beyond the immediate victim. It affects children who witness the violence, leading to long-term emotional and psychological trauma. Such violence limits women’s ability to participate in both public and private life fully.

Coercive Control

Coercive control is a form of violence that involves a range of behaviours designed to manipulate and dominate a partner, often without physical violence. This can include isolating the victim from friends and family, controlling finances, and monitoring the victim’s movements. Recognising coercive control as a form of domestic violence is crucial to ensuring that victims receive the support they need before the abuse escalates into physical violence.

Source: Change.org

Change.org Campaigns to Stop Gender-Based Violence in Australia

Across Australia, Change.org has become a platform for people to voice their demands for action on gender-based violence. Below are some of the most impactful campaigns mobilising public support and driving meaningful change.

Provide Needs-Based Funding to Combat Domestic Violence in the Northern Territory

Dr. Chay Brown, the family violence prevention manager for Tangentyere Council, launched a petition demanding that the government provide targeted funding to address the high rates of domestic violence in the Northern Territory. Domestic and family violence rates in this region are some of the highest in the country, disproportionately affecting Indigenous women. With over 2,000 signatures, this petition calls on the government to allocate funds to ensure culturally appropriate services and long-term support for survivors.

Mandatory Life Sentences for Murder

The family of Celeste Manno, a victim of murder by an obsessed stalker, has rallied behind a petition advocating for mandatory life sentences for those convicted of murder. With over 50,000 signatures, the call for stricter sentencing reflects the broader demand for legal reforms to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable for their actions.

Legalise Pepper Spray for Self-Defense

In response to rising concerns about women’s safety, Melbourne-based mother and influencer Jayde Howard started a petition calling for the legalisation of pepper spray as a self-defence tool. The petition has gathered 14,000 signatures and taps into a growing sense of urgency among women who feel vulnerable in public spaces, particularly after high-profile attacks like the Westfield Bondi Junction incident. 

Stop Killing Women

Mel Arnost, with support from MP Angela Spender, launched a petition calling for a national expansion of services to prevent violence against women. Achieving gender equality is essential in this context, as it plays a crucial role in ending men’s violence against women and ensuring women’s safety in various aspects of their lives. With over 33,000 signatures, this petition demands a multi-faceted approach to tackling gender-based violence, including better-funded programs targeting men, schools, and families.

Stronger Sentencing for Sexual Assault Offenders

Emily Campbell-Ross, a survivor of rape, is fighting to overhaul sentencing guidelines for sexual crimes. Her petition, which has garnered over 15,000 signatures, calls for harsher penalties reflecting the crimes’ severity. 

Demand a Federal Royal Commission into Domestic and Sexual Violence

Survivor Ali Saoirse is calling for a federal royal commission to investigate domestic and sexual violence in Australia. With over 54,000 signatures, this petition aims to drive systemic reform by thoroughly analysing the failings of current services and systems meant to protect victims. By demanding accountability from the highest levels of government, this campaign seeks to ensure that no survivor’s experience is overlooked.

Source Change.org 

Support the Movement

The movement to end gender-based violence in Australia is gaining momentum. By signing and sharing these petitions, you can help ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and that the necessary changes are made to protect all women and marginalised groups from violence.Each signature contributes to the push for reforms in legal systems, support services, and cultural attitudes. You can find these petitions on Change.org. Add your voice to the growing call for change and help bring about systemic reform to end gender-based violence.