The commissioned inquiries into violence against women reflected the complexity of the issue, covering criminal law, support services, health and drug treatment services, refuges, housing, and education. The programs in these areas had failed to effectively reduce and prevent violence, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. The Labor government acknowledged the troubling findings and announced a historic investment to keep women, children, and families safe. However, women are still dying, signaling that current actions have been inadequate in addressing the problem.
Calls for more dramatic responses from governments are arising to protect women from existing dangers, particularly in cases where men can use technology to circumvent protections and target women through online and physical means. Police have requested the establishment of a register of offenders to track potential threats to women, similar to the sex offenders register. They also suggested issuing intervention orders via mail or social media to improve protection for women, but these recommendations have not all been implemented. Stronger actions against men accused of stalking, threatening, or abusing women are needed, as apprehended violence orders do not always provide the necessary protection.
After a series of deaths of women due to family violence, experts called for potential killers to be GPS-tracked and monitored online, and for bail laws for men with a history of family violence to be tightened. The government must also take action, with some suggesting a national royal commission to address the causes of violence and the cultural conditions that allow it to thrive. Inquiries alone will not bring the rapid remedy needed for society, and leaders should look to Howard’s response to the Port Arthur tragedy in 1996 for inspiration on how to address such a pressing issue.
In conclusion, more needs to be done to protect women from violence, and stronger actions against perpetrators must be taken. The current systems and programs have been inadequate in preventing and reducing violence, and governments must consider more drastic measures to address the issue effectively. A focus on early intervention, support services, and holding perpetrators accountable is crucial in creating safer environments for women and children. By learning from past tragedies and taking decisive action, society can work towards preventing further deaths due to violence against women.
