ELEMENT 6 Stages of action and expected outcomes 58
An Australia where women and their children live free from violence is an achievable goal, but reaching it will require sustained effort over the long term. It requires intergenerational change to deeply entrenched beliefs and behaviours in our culture, society, communities and daily lives. It will not be easy, will not be quick, and will not be possible unless we all work together. This final Element proposes a sequence of staged action towards this ultimate goal of social transformation. Along the way, we can expect short-term, medium-term and long-term signposts of success. The first stage starts with a significant increase in investment in primary prevention, and infrastructure to support it. Proven and promising practice is scaled up and embedded into system and institutional practices, while innovative initiatives are piloted, reviewed and adapted across new settings and contexts. Tools and resources are developed and workforces trained to support prevention programs and practice. Policy makers and program planners prioritise effort and resourcing to prevention strategies that will have an impact in communities affected by intersecting forms of discrimination and disadvantage. The development of the National Plan’s Third Action Plan draws on the evidence and guidance presented in this framework. Emerging evidence from evaluations, consultation, research and practice experience is incorporated into the design of new prevention initiatives, including campaigns and programs, whole-of-government policies at different levels, and organisational strategies and plans. Importantly, all levels of government, non-government and private sector stakeholders come together to set up the various mechanisms and collaborative processes needed to build and sustain long-term and national prevention efforts. Resourcing of early intervention and response services is maintained as increased attention is given to primary prevention, recognising that demand for such services may increase from increased awareness and reporting associated with primary prevention. Stage one: 2016-18 Envisaged outcomes • Shared strategies, plans and reforms are developed to prevent violence and discrimination, promote gender equality, and foster the development of healthy relationships between men and women, and safe and supportive environments for children. • Coordination, governance and quality assurance mechanisms, are established so that leaders across all sectors work together to develop and implement high quality actions, supported by guidelines and standards. • A skilled prevention workforce begins to emerge, comprising both workers within mainstream organisations and contexts, and specific prevention specialists that can provide advice and support across sectors and settings – to meet existing demand for prevention programs safely and effectively, and to expand their reach. • Shared monitoring, accountability and reporting frameworks are established, so that implementation and decision-making is guided by ambitious but achievable targets. • Shared systems are developed to document lessons from pilot initiatives, scaled-up activities, and coordination mechanisms, helping to improve and refine efforts over time. • Community engagement is broadened and deepened, through established organisations and networks, building on the reach and influence of many partners. 59
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