These rates are much higher for women who face multiple and compounding forms of inequality.
Our Watch defines gender inequality as:
The unequal distribution of power, resources, opportunity, and value afforded to men and women in a society due to prevailing gendered norms and structures.
Evidence shows that certain forms of gender inequality consistently predict higher rates of violence against women.
These expressions of gender inequality are referred to as the “gendered drivers” of violence. There are also “reinforcing factors” within the context of the gendered drivers that increase the frequency and severity of violence against women.
Violence against women is often experienced in combination with other influencing or intersecting forms of systemic discrimination and disadvantage. For women who face multiple and compounding forms of inequality which can result in higher rates of violence, more severe and compounding consequences and barriers to getting help, we also need to focus on drivers of intersecting inequalities.
For example, we know violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is also driven by racialised power inequalities and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
Addressing the drivers of violence, prevents it from happening down the track. This is different from responding to violence after it has occurred, intervening early with at risk cohorts to course-correct / change the trajectory, or providing long-term support.
Preventing violence before it occurs.
Whole of population approaches that address the primary drivers of violence.
Taking action on the early signs of violence to reduce risk of violence reoccurring or escalating.
Intervening after violence has occurred.
Supporting survivors/victims and hold perpetrators to account.
Longer term action to keep survivors/victims safe and and reduce risk of perpetrators reoffending.
To achieve any real change and see a long-term reduction in the prevalence of violence against women at a whole of population level, we must work across the entire prevention spectrum.
International research shows us that countries with higher levels of gender equality have lower rates of violence against women.
To prevent violence against women, we must undertake key, mutually reinforcing actions that address the drivers of violence, across priority settings, using proven and promising techniques and tailored to the context and needs of different groups, so that we can reach everyone.
All forms of violence perpetrated towards humans is unacceptable and must be taken seriously. There are specific gendered patterns in offending, experience of violence and impact, that need to be considered:
