The escalating rate of violent deaths of women in Australia, with 26 women killed in the first 114 days of 2024, has been declared a crisis by the prime minister. Patty Kinnersly, chief executive of Our Watch, emphasized the urgent need to stop the killing of women by men’s violence. The shocking figures include five women stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi in a Bondi shopping centre on April 13, with New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb noting that Cauchi specifically targeted women. Tania Farha, CEO of Safe and Equal in Victoria, described the situation as a national crisis and called for immediate action from the government at all levels.
Women’s safety organizations, including Safe and Equal, sent a letter to the Albanese government at the end of 2023 after 64 women were violently killed that year, urging for the issue to be addressed at a national level. Despite the outcry from the community, the status of this request remains unknown. Farha expressed concern over the lack of a proper and funded mechanism to count and record details of women lost to violence, suggesting that the true numbers of women murdered or missing may be even higher than reported. The Facebook page Counting Dead Women Australia, maintained by volunteers using verified police reports, is recognized as the most accurate tally of women killed by violence.
Serina McDuff, acting chief executive of Respect Victoria, highlighted the importance of recognizing that violence against women is a men’s issue. She stressed that men who use violence are not inherently monsters, but rather individuals who may be known to us in various capacities. McDuff called for a systemic approach to addressing violence against women, encouraging more men to publicly acknowledge and discuss the issue. It is crucial for everyone to understand that violence against women is a societal problem that requires collective action.
The call for action to address the crisis of violence against women is echoed by various stakeholders, including community members, women’s organizations, and government officials. The need to stop the killing of women by men’s violence is urgent and requires immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of women. The high rate of violent deaths of women in 2024 surpasses previous years, indicating a concerning trend that demands attention and intervention on a national level. The importance of raising awareness and engaging men in conversations about violence against women is emphasized as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.
The impact of the escalating rate of violent deaths of women in Australia cannot be understated, with each woman’s death representing a tragic loss that reverberates throughout the community. The sense of urgency and outrage over the situation is palpable, as individuals and organizations are pushing for concrete actions to address the root causes of violence against women. The need for a coordinated and sustained effort to tackle the issue at all levels, including government, community, and individual levels, is paramount to effectively combatting the crisis. It is essential for everyone to come together to support and protect women from violence and work towards a future where every woman is safe and free from harm.
