Ballina Branch of CWA Advocates for Continued Action on Violence Against Women in NSW and ACT Communities

In response to the alarming rise in the number of Australian women losing their lives to intimate partner violence this year, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW is using its annual Awareness Week campaign to emphasise the urgent need for sustained action against gender-based violence and violence against women across NSW and the ACT.

CWA of NSW Awareness Week will take place from September 1 to 7, focusing on the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence, including domestic and family violence, as well as violence against women by men who are not their intimate partners. This marks the second time in five years that the association has dedicated its Awareness Week to this critical issue, having previously highlighted domestic and family violence in 2020.

Lyn Davidson of the Ballina CWA Branch stressed the importance of revisiting this issue during Awareness Week, noting that the problem persists and requires renewed attention.

“We represent 8,000 women across NSW and the ACT, and we believe it’s crucial to keep applying pressure on policymakers to improve support and protections for victims of gender-based violence,” Lyn said.

During this year’s Awareness Week, the CWA of NSW is advocating for several key measures, including:

• Further reforms to bail laws to enhance the protection of victims, especially in rural and regional areas.
• Sustainable funding models for frontline victim support services, as well as services targeting perpetrator risk factors.
• The establishment of a real-time system to record, track, and share information on perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions.
• Additional resources for women facing violence in rural and regional communities, where isolation and limited services can make seeking support even more challenging.

The CWA of NSW is also committed to involving men in this year’s campaign, reinforcing the message that everyone must contribute to changing societal and cultural factors that lead to violence.

“It’s up to all of us to take action against violence when we see it, speak up against violent or oppressive language, and challenge the myths that perpetuate these behaviours. When we stand together, we can start to see meaningful change,” Lyn said.

This year, the CWA of NSW is partnering with Domestic Violence NSW, the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in NSW, and The Men’s Table, an Australian non-profit organisation that promotes healthy masculinity and provides men with opportunities to discuss personal issues in a supportive environment.

“These organizations are making significant strides in creating positive changes in our society that can ultimately lead to a reduction in incidents of senseless violence,” Lyn added. “With their support during Awareness Week, we aim to continue the conversation around gender-based violence, acknowledging its complexities, and remain fully committed to finding the resources and strategies needed to reverse these devastating statistics.”

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