Violence against women continues to be one of the most prevalent human rights abuses in Australia.

 

Violence against women is any act of violence that causes harm or suffering to women. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, economic, spiritual, social, stalking and a wide range of controlling, coercive and intimidating behaviour.

 

Violence against women can occur in a family or domestic setting (ie intimate partner violence) or in the community (ie sexual assault/harassment).

 

The most common form of violence against women is intimate partner violence.

 

 

Violence against women affects women’s well-being and prevents them from fully participating in society. It impacts on families, the community and the nation.

 

Whilst violence against women is prevalent and serious, it is also preventable. That is, we can take action to stop violence against women before it occurs. This is known as primary prevention.

 

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