Women's Safety Strategy
Women experience violence in public places, at work and at home. As part of its commitment to a safer community, the South Australian Government believes that we need a more strategic and comprehensive approach to violence against women, to make the best use of resources and to guide our future action.
The Women's Safety Strategy has a broad focus; from early intervention work focussed on preventing violence, through to community education to raise awareness about the level and complexity of women's safety.
Key Directions:
1. Prevention
Prevention of violence against women includes any law, policy, program or activity aimed at reducing the level, fear or impact of violence against women or changing community perceptions of violence against women. Prevention is about individuals, communities and government taking responsibility for creating a safer environment for women, and for all members of the community. Prevention strategies should be considered at the design stage of future legislative changes, programs and other initiatives to ensure the inclusion of 'safety for women' objectives.
2. Service Provision
There are numerous government, non-government and community services available for women who have experienced violence. They provide assistance and support for women to move forward in their lives and reflect the diversity of women's experiences and circumstances with a range of options.
3. Protection
Women who experience or fear violence must be able to seek protection and have access to effective legal remedies. The perpetrators of violent acts against women must be held accountable for their behaviour. The criminal justice system's response to violence against women is pivotal to a broad community understanding that violence against women is unacceptable.
4. Performance
Professional performance and accountability are critical to the success of the strategy. Regular monitoring and evaluation is essential.
For information about what is happening at the Commonwealth level, see the the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (external website) which was released in April 2009.
New laws to tackle domestic violence - New legislation has passed in Parliament to give police and courts greater powers to prevent and address family abuse. Find out more here.
Anti-Violence Community Awareness Campaign launched
The dontcrosstheline campaign is an important part of the SA Government's Anti-Violence Community Awareness campaign. For more information, visit www.dontcrosstheline.com.au
Family Safety Framework
One of the significant pieces of work undertaken by the Women's Safety Strategy Reference Group in 2006 was the development of an integrated services model. This model, the Family Safety Framework, was first trialled in 2007, with further trials continuing in 2009.
The three trial sites of the Family Safety Framework are based on SAPOL Local Service Areas. The trial sites are:
- Holden Hill
- South Coast (Noarlunga), and
- Port Augusta
October 2009 - The Family Safety Framework has been expanded in to three new regions in South Australia. These are:
Port Pirie
Port Adelaide (Western Metro)
Elizabeth (Northern Metro)
The updated Family Safety Framework Practice Manual is now available. Download a copy of the FSF Practice Manual.
Family Safety Framework forms and supporting documents are also available in a Word document. Download a copy of the FSF Forms.
An evaluation of the Family Safety Framework trials was conducted by the Office of Crime Statistics and Research (AGD) in late 2008.
Download a copy of the Family Safety Framework Evaluation Report (Word 642kb)
Safe @ Home Forum Resources
Resources from the Forum held on Monday the 18th August 2008 are now available. Read more..
Achievements
Women's Safety Strategy Achievements Report 2005-2007 gives an overview of the initiatives and achievements of the Women's Safety Strategy.
Download - Women's Safety Strategy Achievements - 2007
 | Women's Safety Strategy Achievements - 2007 PDF (277kb) |
 | Women's Safety Strategy Achievements - 2007 DOC (270kb) |
Snapshots
Snapshots is an overview of the Women's Safety Strategy, and gives an update on progress and various initiatives. Snapshots was published in April 2007.
Download - Women's Safety Strategy Snapshots - 2007
| Women's Safety Strategy Snapshots - 2007 PDF (1990kb) |
| Women's Safety Strategy Snapshots - 2007 DOC (86kb) |
