Unlocking the Prevention Potential report released

The final report from the expert panel appointed to undertake a rapid review of evidence-based approaches to prevent gender-based violence was presented to the Australian government last week.

The report provides specific and practical advice to strengthen prevention approaches and builds on considerable work currently underway in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. The report makes 21 recommendations across 6 key areas for action by federal, state and territory governments.

In  conclusions the report says:

“.. it was clear over just 12 weeks of review, consultation and consideration that the path ahead does not just involve tinkering at the edges but instead requires a surge of activity and investment around people, responses and systems. What’s more, it demands examination of the mechanisms and levers that, thus far, have not created the momentum towards increased safety and accountability – and reduced homicides – that we would expect. As a result, many of this Review’s recommendations are about identifying those mechanisms and levers which embed an efective and whole-of-community approach to prevention over the longer-term.

“The scale of the challenge and the complex nature of DFSV may seem overwhelming. The fact that the Review could identify so many areas ripe for meaningful reform over such a short period of time, however, is also a sign of promise. Put simply, there is a lot more that can be done if we draw on lessons available across multiple sectors and approach the task in an expansive and collaborative way. That in itself should be a cause for energy and action.”

The recommendations will be taken forward as a priority for discussion by National Cabinet.

• Read the Executive Summary here
• View the full report: Unlocking the Prevention Potential: accelerating action to end domestic, family and sexual violence