National Domestic Violence Summit: Statement of Principles Agreed by Heads of Government
Council of Australian Governments' Communiqué
7 November 1997
Page Index
This statement of principles comes from the combined policy and practice experience of governments, services, police, judiciary, researchers and community in dealing with domestic violence over the last two decades. It is an expression of consensus by the Heads of Government of Australia.
Context
Domestic violence is widespread and complex. It is a major issue affecting the social, emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of individuals and families and resulting in significant social and economic costs to the community.
Children often witness domestic violence and are profoundly affected by this experience.
Domestic violence is an abuse of power perpetrated mainly (but not only) by men against women both in a relationship or after separation.
Domestic violence takes a number of forms, both physical and psychological. The commonly acknowledged forms of domestic violence are physical and sexual violence, emotional and social abuse and economic deprivation.
Domestic violence occurs across all groups, cultures and creeds.
Domestic violence often occurs and recurs in a pattern which affects the lives of women, men and children. Violence can continue from one generation to the next.
TopPrinciples
- All individuals have the right to be free from violence.
- All forms of domestic violence are unacceptable in any group, culture and creed.
- Many forms of domestic violence are against the law. Acts of domestic violence that constitute a criminal offence must be dealt with as such.
- The safety and wellbeing of those subjected to domestic violence must be the first priority of any response.
- Those who commit domestic violence must be held accountable for their behaviour.
- The community has a responsibility to work toward the prevention of domestic violence and to demonstrate the unacceptability of all forms of domestic violence.
Intervention and Prevention
Reducing the incidence of domestic violence requires a shared commitment and a coordinated response by governments and the community.
Children need education and experience which enables them to build equal, respectful and non-violent relationships in adulthood.
Strategies need to include programmes aimed at early intervention and prevention of further violence, abuse or deprivation.
Strategies are needed to improve the response the criminal justice and other systems to domestic violence.
Services need to take into account the fact that women and children, as the main victims of domestic violence, have their own particular legal, health, welfare, social and economic issues.
Strategies developed to address domestic violence need to take account of the needs of all Australian communities, including the needs of indigenous people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Domestic violence strategies need to address the different needs and experiences arising from gender, age, sexuality, disability and geographic isolation.
Ongoing strategies are needed to increase community awareness that domestic violence is unacceptable.
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