Thousands rally against domestic and gender-based violence across Australia, calling for mental health support and training for first responders (28 July 2024)
Article summary: Thousands of Australians have rallied across the nation to protest against domestic and gendered violence. These rallies, part of a broader movement advocating for significant reforms and better support systems for victims, saw passionate participation from various communities, activists, and political figures.
Kate Chaney MP, a prominent voice in Parliament, was a notable participant in the Perth rally. Chaney expressed her deep concern over the pervasive issue of domestic violence and called for urgent legislative action to address the root causes and provide robust support to survivors. Emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms, Chaney urged the government to prioritise funding for shelters, counselling services, and legal aid to ensure victims have access to the necessary resources to rebuild their lives.
In her address, Chaney highlighted the importance of education and prevention programmes aimed at changing societal attitudes towards gender and violence. She advocated for the implementation of early intervention strategies in schools to foster respectful relationships and challenge harmful gender stereotypes from a young age.
Chaney also called attention to the systemic barriers that many victims face in seeking help, including cultural and linguistic challenges, financial dependence, and fear of retribution. She underscored the necessity of creating inclusive and accessible support services that cater to the diverse needs of all victims, including those from marginalised communities.
The rallies culminated in a series of powerful speeches, with survivors sharing their personal stories and advocates presenting a unified demand for policy changes. Chaney’s participation and vocal support for the cause resonated with many attendees, reaffirming her commitment to fighting domestic and gendered violence and championing the rights of victims in Australia.
The nationwide demonstrations sent a strong message to policymakers about the urgency of addressing domestic and gendered violence, highlighting the critical role of political leadership in driving change.
Related article: Local DV crisis laid bare (6 July 2024)
