Australia Faces Calls to Address Violence Against Women Amid Nationwide Protests

News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/29th April 2024

Across Australia, rallies have erupted in response to a recent surge in violence against women, with demonstrators demanding urgent action and stricter laws to combat gender-based violence, which they seek to be declared a national emergency.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the gravity of the issue, labeling it a national crisis. Organizers of the protests emphasized the need for gender-based violence to be recognized as a national emergency, advocating for immediate and comprehensive government intervention to address the crisis.

Martina Ferrara, one of the organizers, stressed the importance of providing alternative reporting options for victim survivors, empowering them to control their stories and healing processes. She urged the government to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and take swift action.

Speaking at a rally in Canberra attended by thousands, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the government’s responsibility to do better at all levels. He emphasized the necessity of cultural and systemic changes to combat gender-based violence, highlighting the importance of men’s involvement in changing societal attitudes and behaviors.

Responding to calls for violence against women to be classified as a national emergency, Albanese emphasized the need for ongoing, sustained efforts rather than temporary measures. He rejected the notion of a temporary injection of cash typically associated with emergency classifications, emphasizing the need for continuous action to address the crisis.

Albanese’s attempt to address the rally was met with criticism, with some attendees accusing him of attempting to overshadow the event. Organizer Sarah Williams disputed his claim, accusing him of exploiting his power to diminish a vulnerable participant. Albanese denied the accusation, urging that the focus should remain on addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence.

Australia’s federal attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, dismissed calls for a royal commission into gender-based violence. While Albanese has repeatedly labeled gender-based violence as an epidemic, recent protests indicate growing public frustration and demand for concrete action.

The nationwide rallies coincide with a string of recent incidents that have reignited concerns about violence against women. In Sydney, a mass stabbing left five women dead, prompting speculation about the targeting of women. Additionally, the alleged murder of Erica Hay, a mother-of-four in Perth, has further highlighted the urgency of addressing gender-based violence.

According to data compiled by Destroy the Joint, 27 women have been killed in the first 119 days of 2024 alone, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The rallies, spanning various cities across Australia, reflect a collective call for urgent and decisive action to address gender-based violence and protect women’s rights and safety.