The Rising Call for Action: Australia’s Fight Against Gendered Violence
A Nation United Against Femicide
Australians across the country have called for greater funding of domestic violence prevention and response services, amidst what many are labelling a "femicide epidemic." Rallies took place in at least 14 cities and towns, with demonstrators honouring more than 100 women who have died because of male violence since the beginning of 2024. Organised by Australian Femicide Watch and The Red Heart campaign, these events advocated for better funding and legal changes from state and federal governments to combat male abuse and harassment of women.
Did you know? The term "femicide" refers to the killing of women and girls because of their gender.
The Voice of the Movement
Founder of both the Red Heart campaign and Femicide Watch, Sherele Moody, emphasized that gendered violence is fundamentally a man’s problem. "Have a look at the people here — they’re mostly women," she said in Melbourne. "It’s women who are setting up marches, it’s women who are setting up refuges and fundraising, it’s women who are getting other people out of dangerous situations. The people who are not doing stuff are the men."
Moody’s call to action was clear: governments at every level need to know the issue requires more funding, better policy, and more services because women are "falling through the cracks." She questioned, "Where’s the prime minister? Not at any of these rallies."
The Toll of Violence
The Australian Femicide Watch tally tracks every known Australian woman and child killed as a result of murder, manslaughter, or neglect. In 2024, 103 Australian women and 16 children were killed. The 2025 toll currently stands at 14 women and four children. Demonstrators like Lee Eylon and Mia King expressed their frustration with the lack of political action.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about local rallies and events. Your participation can make a difference.
Regional Calls for Change
In the Northern Territory, where domestic violence rates are around seven times higher than the rest of the country, a crowd in Alice Springs renewed a long-standing call for more funding for community-led services. Connie Shaw, a long-time member of Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group, said, "Put funding where it’s needed the most — they need to listen to us, stand with us and support us."
Indigenous Voices
Wurundjeri-Ngunnawal woman Regan Mitchell from national advocacy group Our Watch, highlighted the need for a "genuine long-term commitment" from leaders that matched the crisis. "This violence against women is not a blackfella problem, it’s an Australia problem — why are we not outraged when it’s Aboriginal women?" she asked.
Political and Media Response
In Perth, Greens senator Dorinda Cox expressed disappointment that other politicians didn’t show up. "We need the government to treat this like it is an emergency and fund it like one," she said.
In Sydney, rally organiser Eva Akyol was disappointed with the turnout and criticized "performative activism" and influencer feminists who she said failed to show. "Why are there only 100 of us here? Where are all the loud online women feminists?" she asked the crowd.
Reader Question: How can you support the movement against gendered violence?
Personal Stories of Grief and Action
In Brisbane, the catch cry for the march was, "say it once say it again, there’s no excuse for violent men." Among the demonstrators was Dave Kramer, whose friend Hannah Clarke was murdered alongside her three children by her estranged husband in February 2020. "She was my best friend … and she deserves to be here with her children Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey," he told the crowd. "Now I live with the deepest sadness, shame and regret that I was absent from these events and from the work that needs to be done to end men’s violence."
The Path Forward
People gathered in Adelaide to bring attention to what organisers called "Australia’s femicide epidemic." Survivor Emma Olivia condemned politicians’ "silence" about women lost to violence in Australia. "They need to be held accountable and it’s really important that everybody stands up and tells them what they need to do," she said.
In Canberra, Indigenous social worker Tanya Keed called on the government to fund a stand-alone First Nations domestic violence and sexual assault service in the ACT. "A lot of our women are homeless and fleeing domestic violence with nowhere to go, and they go back to perpetrators," she said.
Remote Communities Take a Stand
In the remote community of Roebourne in north-west Western Australia, a small ‘Stop Killing Women’ rally was held. Ngarluma woman Sam Walker used the event to call for a specialised ‘women’s place’ to be built in Roebourne to be "a safe place for the women to gather together to empower each other."
In Port Macquarie, NSW, Curls and Colleen Hawkins marched for their two daughters, one of whom has experienced violence. "It’s really sad how much one person can control another person’s life,” Ms Hawkins said.
Future Trends in Gendered Violence Prevention
Increased Awareness and Education
As public awareness grows, there will likely be a greater emphasis on educational programs aimed at preventing gendered violence. Schools, workplaces, and community centers are expected to implement more comprehensive training and awareness initiatives.
Enhanced Legal Frameworks
Governments are likely to introduce stricter legal frameworks to address gendered violence. This includes tougher penalties for perpetrators and better support systems for survivors. The focus will be on creating a legal environment that deters violence and ensures justice for victims.
Community-Led Initiatives
Community-led initiatives will continue to play a crucial role in preventing gendered violence. Local organizations and advocacy groups will be at the forefront of driving change, providing support and resources to those in need.
Technological Innovations
Technology will play a significant role in preventing gendered violence. Apps and digital platforms that provide immediate support and resources for victims will become more prevalent. Additionally, data analytics will help in identifying patterns and predicting potential risks.
Increased Male Involvement
There will be a greater push for men to take responsibility and actively participate in preventing gendered violence. Campaigns will focus on engaging men as allies and advocates for change, promoting a culture of respect and equality.
Table: Key Statistics and Figures
| Year | Number of Women Killed | Number of Children Killed |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 103 | 16 |
| 2025 (so far) | 14 | 4 |
FAQ Section
Q: What is femicide?
A: Femicide refers to the killing of women and girls because of their gender.
Q: How can I support the movement against gendered violence?
A: You can support by attending rallies, advocating for better policies, and donating to organizations that provide support to victims.
Q: What are the main causes of gendered violence?
A: The main causes include patriarchy, misogyny, and societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.
Q: How can technology help in preventing gendered violence?
A: Technology can provide immediate support through apps, help in identifying patterns through data analytics, and create online platforms for awareness and education.
Call to Action
Join the movement against gendered violence. Attend local rallies, support advocacy groups, and spread awareness. Together, we can create a safer world for everyone. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and explore more articles on how you can make a difference.
