Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement726

Human Rights Council - 29th Regular Session

Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women

Panel 1: Eliminating and preventing domestic violence against women and girls

Australia strongly supports this very important panel discussion about eliminating and preventing domestic violence against women and girls.

Australia does not tolerate violence against women or girls, any time, any place.

Australia recognises that gender inequality is a determinant that underpins violence against women.

Australia is committed to empowering women through our domestic, foreign and development policies.

Upholding the rights of girls, to education, health care, economic independence and their self-determination is critical.

Australia’s National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (the National Plan) is a 12-year strategy with a vision that women and their children live free from violence in safe communities. Its focus is stopping violence before it occurs.

We emphasise the importance of engaging men to learn skills for healthy ‎relationship behaviours, and the importance of empowering women and girls within their relationships.

Recently, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a National Domestic Violence order (DVO) scheme, where DVOs can be enforceable anywhere in Australia, and to consider national standards for punishing perpetrators. 

We ask that the panel explore ways to reduce the dangers for women when they leave violent relationships.