Children living in fear in their own homes deserve urgency in keeping them safe. Domestic violence survivor Kym Valentine emphasizes the need for serious, evidence-based discussions about the role of alcohol and other drugs in violence. She calls on state and federal governments to take immediate action to make women and children safer within their own homes. Outdated liquor licensing laws need to be addressed, as alcohol is now more accessible than ever, with round-the-clock delivery services and aggressive marketing targeting vulnerable individuals. Restrictions on alcohol sales and delivery, including limiting operating hours and imposing safety pauses, could help reduce violence in homes.
Valentine highlights the impact of alcohol on family violence, noting that increased alcohol availability and advertising have contributed to escalating violence against women and children. She calls for measures such as stopping alcohol sales after 10pm and implementing safety pauses to prevent rapid alcohol consumption. Addressing trading hours and the number of outlets selling alcohol can also help reduce violence, as research shows a correlation between alcohol availability and violence. Modest changes in alcohol regulations could have a significant impact on reducing family violence and creating a safer environment for victims.
Government action is crucial in tackling the crisis of gender-based violence and violence against children. Valentine emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the voices of women and children over alcohol corporations profiting from the problem. She urges politicians to make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of victims over corporate interests. By implementing measures to restrict alcohol sales and advertising, governments can play a significant role in reducing family violence and creating a safer environment for victims. The time for action is now to make generational change in addressing the crisis of gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Valentine’s advocacy for addressing the role of alcohol in family violence is based on her personal experiences as a survivor and her dedication to supporting victims. She emphasizes the need for urgent action to create safer environments for women and children facing domestic violence. By challenging outdated liquor licensing laws and implementing restrictions on alcohol sales and advertising, governments can help reduce the prevalence and severity of family violence. Valentine’s advocacy highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims over corporate interests and calls for swift action to create lasting change in tackling the crisis of gender-based violence.
As a survivor-advocate for family violence and a former Chair of Victoria’s Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council, Valentine brings a unique perspective to the discussion on addressing the role of alcohol in violence. Her personal experiences and professional expertise underscore the urgent need for action to protect women and children from domestic violence. By addressing the root causes of family violence, including the accessibility of alcohol and the impact of advertising, governments can help create safer environments for victims. Valentine’s advocacy serves as a powerful call to action for politicians to prioritize the voices of victims and take concrete steps to address the crisis of gender-based violence and violence against children.
In conclusion, Valentine’s advocacy highlights the importance of addressing the role of alcohol in family violence and the need for urgent action to create safer environments for victims. By challenging outdated liquor licensing laws and implementing restrictions on alcohol sales and advertising, governments can help reduce the prevalence and severity of family violence. Valentine’s personal experiences as a survivor-advocate underscore the urgent need for action to protect women and children from domestic violence. As we stand on the cusp of making generational change in addressing the crisis of gender-based violence, politicians must prioritize the voices of victims over corporate interests and take swift action to create lasting change.
