We need to stop violence against women before it starts. The federal government’s Fourth Action Plan might not provide all of the answers, but it’s a sign of positive progress.
History shows that domestic violence has been deeply entrenched in the culture of Australia from its early days. Progress is only made by understanding this history – and talking about it.
Despite some progress in recent years in addressing gender-based violence, there is still a long way to go. A concerted and holistic approach is needed.
Sara Parker, Liverpool John Moores University et Kay Standing, Liverpool John Moores University
Chhaupadi, the practice of exiling menstruating women and girls from their home, often to a cow shed, is still practised in some areas of Western Nepal.
The vision set out by Cyril Ramaphosa has the seeds for galvanising South Africans to get back on the right path. But it urgently needs a plan to make it happen.
The refugee convention wasn’t designed with women in mind. Women fleeing domestic violence and asking for asylum face many barriers to qualifying for protection under international law.
Survival sex can be a viable option for women managing homelessness. It ranged from staying with men for a night or a woman remaining in a sexual relationship to avoid becoming homeless again.