Women experience violence in public places, at work and at home. As part of its commitment to a safer community, the South Australian Government believes that we need a more strategic and comprehensive approach to violence against women, to make the best use of resources and to guide our future action.
Below are documents related to the launch of the next phase of the Women's Safety Strategy:
The next phase of the Women's Safety Strategy: A Right to Safety
Media Release from Minister Gail Gago on the Launch of the Safety Strategy
Media Release form Minister Gail Gago: NEW INTERVENTION ORDERS
BETTER PROTECT PEOPLE FROM ABUSE
Speech from Victim's Rights Commissioner, Michael O'Connell
The Women's Safety Strategy has a broad focus; from early intervention work focussed on preventing violence, through to community education to raise awareness about the level and complexity of women's safety.
Key Directions:
- Prevention
Prevention of violence against women includes any law, policy, program or activity aimed at reducing the level, fear or impact of violence against women or changing community perceptions of violence against women. Prevention is about individuals, communities and government taking responsibility for creating a safer environment for women, and for all members of the community. Prevention strategies should be considered at the design stage of future legislative changes, programs and other initiatives to ensure the inclusion of 'safety for women' objectives. - Service Provision
There are numerous government, non-government and community services available for women who have experienced violence. They provide assistance and support for women to move forward in their lives and reflect the diversity of women's experiences and circumstances with a range of options. - Protection
Women who experience or fear violence must be able to seek protection and have access to effective legal remedies. The perpetrators of violent acts against women must be held accountable for their behaviour. The criminal justice system's response to violence against women is pivotal to a broad community understanding that violence against women is unacceptable. - Performance
Professional performance and accountability are critical to the success of the strategy. Regular monitoring and evaluation is essential.For information about what is happening at the Commonwealth level, see the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children which was released in April 2009.
New laws to tackle domestic violence
New legislation has passed in Parliament to give police and courts greater powers to prevent and address family abuse. Find out more here. Anti-Violence Community Awareness Campaign launched.
The dontcrosstheline campaign is an important part of the SA Government's Anti-Violence Community Awareness campaign. For more information, visit www.dontcrosstheline.com.au.
Achievements
Women's Safety Strategy Achievements Report 2005-2007 gives an overview of the initiatives and achievements of the Women's Safety Strategy.
Download - Women's Safety Strategy Achievements - 2007
Snapshots
Snapshots is an overview of the Women's Safety Strategy, and gives an update on progress and various initiatives. Snapshots was published in April 2007.
Download - Women's Safety Strategy Snapshots - 2007
The State Aboriginal Women's Gathering is an initiative funded by Office for Women (OFW), to provide a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait women to come and talk about issues important to them and progress state Aboriginal women's business. The Gathering is organised by Aboriginal Women and OFW staff. The Gathering is held each year, over two and a half days, and nominated participants who attend represent many Communities in the state. Each year participants focus on a particular theme and related topics. Guest speakers, workshops, discussions and networking are all part of the Gathering. The delegates provide a list of recommendations to be distributed to relevant State Government departments and agencies after the Gathering.