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National conference to discuss implications of new research for policy and practice on violence against women and their children
Monday, 22nd February 2016
Evidence is crucial to informing effective policies, programs and practices that will reduce violence against women and their children.
This week Australia’s leading researchers on violence against women and their children will present new evidence in this area at a national research conference convened by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).
Government policy-makers and practitioners will gather in Melbourne to hear the evidence and discuss incorporating it into their future work.
An initiative under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022, ANROWS was funded by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments of Australia to build evidence to inform policy and practice and facilitate its uptake.
Research presented at the conference will focus on one of four strategic research themes: 1) women’s experiences of violence and its impact on their lives; gender inequality and primary prevention; service responses and interventions; and how systems can work better together to reduce violence against women and their children.
Effects of violence on children will feature, with presentations from Professor Cathy Humphreys from the University of Melbourne, National Children’s Commissioner Megan Mitchell and Dr Rae Kaspiew from the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Indigenous family violence research will also feature with presentations from Drs Ray Lovatt and Anna Olsen from the Australian National University and Professor Harry Blagg, University of Western Australia. A panel of Professor Blagg’s community research partners (June Oscar AO, CEO of Marninwurntikura, Fitzroy Crossing; Eileen Cummings; and Karen Nangala Woodley) will discuss innovations in responding to violence against Indigenous women in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
“ANROWS has an important role in making sure decision-makers have the best possible evidence at hand when considering shifts in policy and practice” said ANROWS CEO Heather Nancarrow.
“This conference is an opportunity for researchers, policy-makers and practitioners to share experiences, ideas and advice on how research can be taken up in our policies, programs and strategies to reduce violence against women and their children.”
Conference delegates will also benefit from a policy influence discussion drawing on reflections former policy leaders – the Hon. Anna Bligh, former Queensland Premier and Treasurer; Candy Broad, Former Victorian Legislative Member; Elizabeth Broderick, Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner; and Kerry Chikarovski, former NSW Liberal leader – facilitated by ABC journalist Sarah Ferguson.
Information for media:
Media who are interested in covering the conference are invited to contact Jess Gregory on 0408 800 699 or [email protected].
Details of the conference program can be found here: www.anrowsconference.org.au. ANROWS CEO Heather Nancarrow; Chair Emeritus Professor Anne R Edwards AO; and other conference speakers are available for interview.
Media registration, which is complimentary, is required for any media representatives who wish to attend conference sessions. Research summaries, profiles, and high resolution photographs will be available on request.
About ANROWS:
ANROWS is a national research body that produces evidence to guide policy and practice aimed at addressing violence against women and their children. Its $3.5 million research program spans 20 projects (including this report) that look at “what works for whom” in addressing domestic, family and sexual violence. ANROWS has also been commissioned by the Commonwealth Government to deliver research on perpetrator interventions.
*If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:
“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000”
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