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Linking primary prevention to early intervention
and responses to violence
A comprehensive and holistic approach to violence against women must involve a continuum of interdependent
and interlinked strategies, where prevention efforts are integrated with early intervention and response initiatives.
Primary prevention complements work undertaken in the response system. It is designed to stop violence before
it starts by addressing its deep-seated drivers. Because primary prevention targets the whole population, it
inevitably reaches those who are already experiencing or perpetrating violence (or who are at increased risk of
doing so). As such, primary prevention also enhances early intervention and response activity by helping reduce
recurrent perpetration of violence (which is driven in part by similar factors to initial perpetration), and shifting
attitudes and practices in service and justice systems that may inadvertently tolerate, justify or excuse violence
against women and their children.
The explicit focus on primary prevention means this framework is distinguished from early intervention or
response efforts. But these other approaches can and do have important preventive effects: stopping early signs
of violence from escalating, preventing a recurrence of violence, or reducing longer-term harm. They also provide
the foundation stone of primary prevention, sending a society-wide message that violence is not acceptable,
establishing perpetrator accountability, and protecting women and their children from further violence.
Our vision: an Australia free of violence
against women and their children
The primary prevention of violence against women and their
children has positive impacts that go well beyond ending the
violence itself, from better health outcomes for individuals
to more inclusive and equal organisations, communities
and families that support personal development and social
wellbeing.
An Australia free of violence against women and their
children is one where all women and men, girls and
boys, are treated equally, respected and valued in both
private and public life. In this future Australia, relationships
are healthier, happier, more equal and respectful, with
decisions between partners made jointly. Women and men,
girls and boys, develop personal identities based on their
individual character, not constrained or dictated by limiting
and stereotypical models of what it means to be a man
or woman.
In this future Australia, we recognise and understand
violence against women and their children, and the
gender stereotypes, inequality and disrespect that drive
it. As neighbours, colleagues or friends, we are open to
conversations about violence, we believe and support those
who disclose violence, we have the courage to speak out
against sexism, victim-blaming or justifications for violence,
and we receive the support of others – our communities,
the media, our public institutions – when we do.
Our daughters and sons know how to identify and reject
sexist and violence-supportive messages they encounter
among peers, in popular culture or on social media.
Schools across the country model and promote respectful
relationships, non-violence and gender equality, not just
in the classroom but in the playground and staff room.
In our workplaces, all women and men are valued, and
inequalities in decision-making, recruitment and promotion
are recognised and addressed. Our public and social
spaces are inclusive, safe and accessible to everybody.
This Australia is one that many of us – in government, civil
society, schools, workplaces and communities – have been
working towards for many years. Good practice initiatives
exist across the country, and the signs of progress are
there. But to achieve our ultimate goal, these efforts need
to be scaled up, supported and coordinated so that
everyone, everywhere, benefits and activity is sustained
over the long-term to create intergenerational change.
Change the story provides a roadmap for that effort, for all
stakeholders who share a common vision of an Australia
free of violence against women and their children.
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