Only 27% say government response is adequate as Australians demand urgent action on gender-based violence

Sydney, Australia, 10 September 2026 – Only 27% of Australians believe the federal government’s response to recent high-profile instances of gender-based violence has been adequate, according to new nationally representative September research commissioned by the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC). 

The findings come as separate, previously unreleased research conducted for WAGEC in July found that seven in ten (71%) Australians believe the federal government has responded either “much too slowly” or “somewhat too slowly” to domestic and family violence since it was declared a national crisis in 2024. 

The July research found Australians are prepared to back increased government investment. More than 4 in 5 (84%) support increasing government funding for domestic and family violence services, of which 42% support increasing investment even if it means spending less on other government priorities. 

More than 6 in 10 Australians (62%) believe not enough is being done to prevent domestic and family violence before it occurs, while 55% believe the government should accelerate prevention efforts immediately. 

A majority (55%) believe prevention must be prioritised across every channel – schools, workplaces, communities and social media simultaneously – highlighting public support for a coordinated approach to prevention. 

The research also found that domestic and family violence is a significant national concern, with more than a third (34%) of Australians ranking it as either the top issue facing the country or among the top three. 

The findings come amid an ongoing national crisis of gender-based violence, with 49 Australian women killed this year and headlines depicting acts of gender-based violence becoming a daily occurrence.   

Governments have made important progress in recent years, including declaring domestic and family violence a national crisis, establishing the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, investing in prevention, frontline services and housing, and announcing additional measures through National Cabinet. Despite this progress, the research suggests Australians believe the response now needs to accelerate to match the scale and urgency of the crisis. 

With consultation on the Second Action Plan now underway, WAGEC is calling on the federal government to respond to this clear public mandate by accelerating investment in prevention, frontline services and long-term reform. 

Nicole Yade, CEO of WAGEC, said: 

“The message from the community is simple – Australians are saying enough is enough. Action simply cannot wait until after yet another woman or child is harmed.  

“These results that show that the response to the devastating headlines that have dominated the news over recent weeks simply does not meet the moment. 

 “This is not an isolated sentiment. Two years after the government declared domestic and family violence a national crisis, Australians are clear that the pace of change does not match the scale of the crisis. 

“They understand that ending violence requires sustained investment in prevention, frontline services and long-term reform. They’re also prepared to back that investment because they know the cost of inaction is far too high. 

“As consultation on the Second Action Plan ramps up, the government has an opportunity to respond to this clear public mandate with renewed ambition and sustained investment. 

“This isn’t about overlooking the important investments governments have already made. It’s about Australians giving governments the strong possible mandate to build on that work by taking urgent action on domestic and family violence and investing in the solutions needed to prevent violence, support victim-survivors and strengthen our response.” 

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Media contact:

For more information or to request an interview, contact Maddison Bates-Willis on maddison@wagec.org.au or 0408 384 826. 

About Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC):

Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) is a feminist, grassroots organisation that supports women and families in crisis and advocates for social change in the community. Every night, we support 200 women and children impacted by domestic and family violence, homelessness and systemic disadvantage. 

About the surveys:  

September 2026 research: 

The September research was commissioned by the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) and conducted by Pureprofile. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australian adults aged 18 years and over between 4-6 September 2026. Results were weighted to reflect the Australian population by age, gender and location. 

July 2026 research: 

The July research was commissioned by the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) and conducted by Pureprofile. The survey was completed by a nationally representative sample of 1,012 Australian adults aged 18 years and over between 13-16 July 2026. Results were weighted to reflect the Australian population by age, gender and location.