How We Prevent Violence Against Women

What is Violence Against Women and Gender Based-Violence?

"Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or in private life."

— UN Declaration

The prevention of violence against women (PVAW) is about stopping violence before it starts. The evidence is very clear that violence against women, including coercive control is driven by gender inequality and worsened by other forms of discrimination and systemic power inequity.

Violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights in the State of Victoria. The good news is that if we all work together, violence against women is absolutely preventable.

 

What is the Impact and Cost of Violence Against Women?

  • On average, an Australian man murders his current or former partner at a rate of one woman per week & one man per month.1
  • Men's use of violence in domestic and family settings is the principal cause of homelessness for women and their children.2
  • Violence against women has wide-ranging and persistent effects on women’s physical and mental health. The greatest of these is mental illness, with anxiety and depression making up 58% of the disease burden resulting from violence.3
  • 1 in 4 women has been sexually assaulted at work.4
  • $323 BILLION estimated cost of violence against women to Australian economy by 2044-45.5

Our Campaigns & Projects

Illustration of children colouring in the word 'Together'

Let’s Talk Respect

PRET Initiatives & Projects

Respect Is..at The Heart Of Dandenong Market Digital Event Banner (1)

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Our Regional Strategy

WHISE works to prevent violence against women using evidence based primary prevention techniques and strategies. At its very core, our work is about promoting and normalising gender equality in public and private life.

We employ an intersectional feminist framework and partner with organisations across the Southern Metropolitan Region. These include local councils, community health services, community service organisations, and more.

Promoting Respect & Equity Together Regional Strategy

PRET is the second regional strategy for the primary prevention of gendered violence for the Southern Metropolitan Region.