Media Release                                                                          
24 July 2009

MEDIA OFFICE
                                                                         
Harmonising laws will help to address violence against women and children

Amnesty International welcomes today's announcement by the Federal and NSW governments of a joint examination of ways to harmonise domestic violence and family law.

The organisation has long advocated a review of all legislation relevant to violence against women, and the strengthening and harmonising of laws across the states and territories.

“Today we have seen a step forward in the protection of women and children around Australia,” said Amnesty International Australia’s National Director Claire Mallinson. “The legal protection and support a woman receives should not depend upon her postcode.”

While prosecution of most crimes against women is the responsibility of the states and territories, Amnesty International’s research has found that harmonising these laws would be an essential part of an effective National Plan of Action to Address Violence Against Women and Children.

Amnesty International is encouraged by the collaboration between Federal and State governments on this entrenched social problem, and urges States and Territories to support the forthcoming National Action Plan of Action to address violence against women and children. Amnesty International’s research has shown this plan will be most successful if it includes all ministerial portfolios and all levels of government.

Amnesty International also welcomes the Commonwealth Attorney General’s comments today that the Government is developing a multi-disciplinary training package for professionals working with families at risk.

Amnesty International commends this initiative, as Australia currently has no national standards for the training of police and legal professionals on violence against women. It is internationally recognised good practice that anyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of violence is trained specifically in the needs of women. Amnesty International Australia calls for this training to include police, prosecutors and the judiciary, to sensitise them to the needs of women.

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