3 reports, 67 recommendations – it’s time for ACTION

2 Weeks, 3 Reports, 67 Recommendations, 0 Surprises – it’s time for ACTION

Violence against First Nations women is a national emergency, impacting our women in every part of this country.

Over the past two weeks, the Federal Government has received three major reports DIRECTLY relating to gendered violence and its devastating effects on First Nations women and children.

  • Murdered and missing First Nations women and children (10 official recommendations, 12 additional recommendations)
  • Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner’s first annual report card (24 findings)
  • Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches to End Gender-Based Violence report (21 recommendations)

While we welcome this national focus on ending the crisis of men’s violence against women and children – each report tells us what we already know.

There are NO SURPRISES. They ‘report’ exactly what we have been saying for more than 22 years.

Why have we not heard anything from governments? – The silence  is DEAFENING and – ironically – says so much.

“More reports, inquiries, and audits are NOT the answer,” says Djirra CEO Antoinette Braybrook.

“In the past two weeks alone there have been  67 ‘new’ recommendations and findings to end violence against our women and children. Why isn’t the Government listening? Where is the political leadership we desperately need to END this epidemic?”

“The time for talking is past. All three reports highlight the URGENT need for sustained and increased funding for Djirra and other specialised frontline services that save lives.”

“ Yet governments are STILL not acting.”

“We must end this exhausting cycle of reports and inquiries that tell us the same thing. Federal, State and Territory Governments MUST put aside party politics and work together to get REAL funding OUR  frontline services that keep our women and children safe.”

“These reports MUST NOT be buried on shelves in Ministerial offices and government departments . First Nations women and children deserve BETTER. We are watching and we will not be silent.”

NOW is the time for governments to ACT.