About Our National Crisis: Violence Against Women & Children

Violence against women and children is a national crisis. Nearly a decade has passed since family violence was first declared a national emergency in 2015, and yet communities are still taking to the streets to demand greater leadership and action, and the media continues to report on women killed on a weekly basis. An upscaling of commitment, funding and action commensurate with the scale of the problem is desperately needed.

In Our National Crisis, Kate Fitz-Gibbon explains why violence against women and children is not a series of isolated incidents but a pervasive, systemic issue. The impacts of this violence on individuals, families and communities are wide-ranging and can be long-term. Addressing domestic, family and sexual violence requires a national effort across the full spectrum of prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery and healing. Tinkering with any one part of the system will not deliver the transformative outcomes so critically needed to improve safety for the countless women and children impacted by violence.

Our National Crisis is a call to action, and everyone has a role to play – from politicians to corporate leaders, community and specialist organisations, through to family, friends and neighbours. Acts of male violence are, but should not be, the everyday experiences of all too many women and girls in Australia. But they are inherently preventable, and with that comes the actionable hope for a future free from all forms of violence against women and children.

About Kate Fitz-Gibbon

Kate Fitz-Gibbon is an internationally recognised expert in domestic and family violence, femicide, perpetrator interventions, and the impacts of policy and practice reform in Australia and internationally. She is a Professor (Practice) with the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University, and an Honorary Professorial Fellow with the Melbourne Law School at the University of Melbourne. In 2024, Kate founded Sequre Consulting, which is committed to advancing safety and equality.

Kate has advised on homicide law reform and family violence reviews in Australia and internationally, and has led submissions to state, national and international inquiries. Her research has been cited by the High Court of Australia. In recognition of her expertise, Kate has been appointed to a number of board, committee and advisory group roles by state and federal governments in Australia. Kate is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders 2024 class.

If this event brings up any issues for you, or if anyone you know needs crisis support, the following national services are available:

• 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732, chat online or text on 0458 737 732.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14, chat online or text on 0477 13 11 14
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76