Men, boys urged to discuss DV as demand for help surges
As demand for domestic violence help surges, men and boys must be involved in discussions if Australia is to address the "scourge" of violence against women, the prime minister says.
Australians have witnessed a spate of violent attacks from the April 13 Bondi Junction stabbing that left five women dead, to countless domestic violence incidents.
Most recently, 29-year-old Daniel Billings allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend Molly Ticehurst while out on bail for intimidation and animal cruelty charges.
The 28-year-old's body was found on a property in the central west NSW town of Forbes on Monday.
Billings has been charged with domestic violence-related murder and breaching a restriction in an apprehended violence order.
The prime minister called the incident "horrific" and acknowledged that both the government and Australian society needed to do more.
"We all have a responsibility to do what we can to address what is a scourge of violence against women," Mr Albanese told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Men and boys have to clearly have discussions about these issues. There is a need to show respect to women."
He also noted a need to increase funding for domestic violence resources and update laws.
In Australia, more than one woman every week dies at the hands of a partner or former partner and more than 25 women have already been killed in 2024.
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley urged Australians to seek help if they found themselves in danger.
"All violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour. If this is happening to you or someone you care about, know that there is help and advice available," she said.
Legal Aid NSW's Domestic Violence Unit found calls to its hotline unit grew by 36 per cent over two years, while advice provided by its lawyers in court as part of duty lawyer services surged by 61 per cent.
Domestic violence has also fuelled increased demand across the organisation's wider family law services.
Executive director for family law at Legal Aid NSW Alexandra Colquhoun says demand is likely driven by an increase in domestic violence reports to police, improved awareness of the issue, cost of living and housing crises and other factors.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said she, like all Australians, had been devastated by recent events.
"Change is needed and it's a matter of urgency," she said.
The government has committed $2.3 billion to a national plan that aims to end violence against women and children in a generation.
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