It is a worldwide scandal that violence against women is allowed, excused or overlooked. Amnesty International is bringing together men and women in a campaign to stop violence against women in Australia and around the world.
Justice not excuses
Governments have an obligation to eliminate violence against women, including violence by family members and government officials. The Stop Violence Against Women Campaign is holding governments to account for their failure to protect women and urging governments to live up to their obligations.
Amnesty International's agenda for change is a challenge to the international community, governments, local communities, men and women and each one of us.
Violence in Australia
Domestic violence in Australia contributes to ill-health and premature death for women aged 15-44 years, than any other single factor. Two thirds of women experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lives.
While many worthwhile initiatives are addressing the problem, clearly more needs to be done to stop violence against women. Women across the country cannot count on the same level of protection against violence, or the same resources to deal with abuse. There is no national strategy to coordinate efforts or expertise among the states and territories, different government agencies, and with the non-government sector.
Violence against women is a national problem. It demands leadership for a national solution.
A plan for Australian women
We are calling on the Australian Government to develop a National Plan of Action, to ensure all women receive the same protection, and have the appropriate resources to address violence.
More than 100 organisations have supported the call for a National Plan of Action, including organisations working with women; health, legal and community services; professional organisations and peak bodies.
Join the campaign to stop violence against women:
- Sign the petition to call for a National Plan of Action
- Encourage other people and organisations to support the call for a National Plan of Action - copies of the petition postcard are also available from your nearest Activist Resource Centre
Women and war
Violence against women is widespread in situations of armed conflict and women and girls are often targeted for abuse. Women - and their children - are usually the majority of refugees and people displaced by armed conflict. In many conflicts, women and girls are raped and no one is ever brought to justice for the crime. Rape is sometimes used as a weapon of war.
The Stop Violence Against Women Campaign is calling on governments to protect women from violence in times of conflict, and to ensure that women can meaningfully participate in all processes to build peace and security.
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