Drummond Street Submission to the Second National Action Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032

Drummond Street Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Australian Government’s consultation on the Second National Action Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032. We support the development of a renewed national approach that strengthens Australia’s response to family violence and are pleased to contribute practice-based insights from our specialist family violence services.

This submission is guided by two overarching principles. First, family violence should be addressed through a public health, life-course approach. Strengthening prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing as connected parts of a single system will improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Second, Australia’s family violence response must be underpinned by an intersectional approach that recognises the diverse experiences of family violence and prioritises those facing the greatest barriers to safety, support and recovery. Designing systems that meet the needs of people experiencing the greatest complexity creates a stronger and more equitable system for everyone.

Our recommendations draw on practice evidence from Drummond Street Services’ Child Youth and Family Services and specialist multicultural and LGBTQIA+ family violence programs. They also reflect the significant evidence gaps that remain regarding family violence prevalence, service demand and long-term outcomes for marginalised communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ populations.

Please click here to download the submission.