To Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and all last weekends federal election candidates:

Nearly one year ago, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women a national emergency. Since then, the crisis has only deepened, and now, during an election campaign when leadership is needed most, your silence is deafening.

We were outraged that the leading candidates for Prime Minister failed to speak publicly about domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) without this petition coming to life. It is unacceptable, especially as women continue to be killed every week, children are traumatised by violence, and survivors are being turned away from services due to lack of funding.

We demand immediate action and accountability from all federal leaders. Specifically:

We call on all candidates for Prime Minister to:

1. Invest in Primary Prevention
We call on all governments to urgently commit long-term, sustainable funding to evidence-based primary prevention programs in schools, workplaces, media, and communities, especially those co-designed with First Nations, LGBTIQA+, and disability-led organisations.

2. See Through the National Housing and Homelessness Strategy
Prioritise DFSV survivors within the strategy and fund safe, long-term housing pathways. Without housing, there is no safety. (Refer to the work and campaign by YWCA).

3. Mandate Trauma-Informed Training for First Responders
Require police, healthcare workers, legal professionals, housing workers and other staff to undergo trauma-informed training, ensuring all survivors are met with safety, dignity and respect.

4. Reform Bail Laws to Prioritise Victim-Survivor Safety
We demand urgent reform of bail laws to end the systemic release of violent offenders, especially those with a history of domestic, family, or sexual violence. Victim-survivor safety must be central in all bail decisions.

5. Nationally Consistent and Holistic Consent Laws
We demand uniform, affirmative definitions of consent and sexual violence across all states and territories. Moving to a different postcode should not mean different rights, we need nationally consistent, survivor-informed laws that reflect a true understanding of coercion, power, and trauma.

6. Increase Funding for Crisis Support Services
Immediately commit to increased, long-term funding for:
Aboriginal-led and community-controlled services
Men’s behaviour change programs
Legal centres and frontline advocacy services
Women’s shelters and crisis accommodation
Youth-led, culturally safe, and LGBTQIASB+ inclusive initiatives

No more statements without substance. No more delays. No more silence.

This is a national emergency, and we are watching. Survivors deserve more than your silence. They deserve action.