Services Australia has launched its Family and Domestic Violence Strategy 2020-23 emphasising support for people affected by family violence when forced to stay home during the pandemic.
Director of the Family Safety Team at Services Australia, Ange Ford said the Agency had contact with many people affected by family and domestic violence.
“The new strategy outlines the Agency’s ongoing commitment to standing against family and domestic violence,” Ms Ford said.
“Through this current crisis with COVID-19, we’ve seen just how important it is for Australians to have access to the right information and the right support.”
She said people in isolation might be spending longer periods of time with their abuser.
“Before COVID-19, a person living with violence could get some respite at their workplace, or by checking in with friends. Now many feel trapped at home where it’s unsafe to even pick up the phone and ask for help,” Ms Ford said.
She said Services Australia launched its first Family and Domestic Violence Strategy in 2013 and the latest strategy built on its strong foundations and key learnings.
“Since writing the first strategy, we’ve learned so much,” she said.
“We know more about the behaviour of perpetrators, the drivers of family and domestic violence, and the warning signs.
“We’ve also seen the ways new technology like smartphones can be used to stalk, harass, intimidate and control.”
She said the new strategy directly addressed coercive control.
“It also covers primary prevention, which means stopping the violence before it happens, as well as respect and support for older Australians, who can be very vulnerable to abuse,” Ms Ford said.
Services Australia’s 14-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
