Ending gender-based violence
Gender-based violence is one of the most urgent and preventable social issues facing Australia today. At WAGEC, we work across crisis response, recovery, prevention and advocacy because everyone deserves to live free from violence.
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is any act, pattern of behaviour or threat that causes (or could cause) harm, directed at someone because of their gender, gender expression or perceived gender.
Driven by unequal power relations and gender inequality, it exists on a spectrum, ranging from everyday sexism, harassment and coercive control through to physical, sexual and lethal violence.
Labelled a ‘national crisis’ by Prime Minister, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, it affects every community.
Gender-based violence can take many forms and they often overlap. Many people experience multiple forms of abuse and control at the same time. These can include:
Domestic and family violence
One of the most common forms of gender-based violence. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial abuse within a family, intimate relationship or kinship network. It can happen in any relationship regardless of sexuality, age, background, or income.
Sexual violence
Any sexual act, behaviour or activity committed without a person’s free and informed consent. This can include sexual assault, unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, sexual harassment, image-based abuse, and other forms of sexual harm.
Coercive control
A pattern of behaviour that isolates, manipulates and strips away a person's freedom and independence. It can include intimidation, surveillance, financial control, emotional abuse, threats and restricting access to support, making it difficult for someone to leave or make their own decisions.
Stalking and harassment
Repeated unwanted contact, attention or monitoring that causes fear, distress or concern for safety. This may occur in person, online or through third parties and can include following someone, excessive messaging, showing up uninvited or tracking their movements.
Reproductive and sexual coercion
Controlling or interfering with a person’s choices about their body, reproduction or sexual health. This can include pressure around pregnancy, contraception, abortion, sterilisation or sexual activity, often as a way to exert power and control.
Technology-facilitated abuse
Using phones, apps, social media, smart devices or other technologies to monitor, threaten, track, control or humiliate someone. This can include spyware, location tracking, impersonation, image-based abuse and persistent digital harassment.
What causes gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is driven by unequal power, harmful stereotypes and discrimination. It is not inevitable, nor is it caused by stress, mental illness, alcohol, or cultural background. Gender-based violence is caused by:
- Condoning or excusing violence against women, trans and gender-diverse people
- Rigid ideas about gender roles and masculinity
- Social structures and institutions that privilege men (known as patriarchy)
- Limiting independence, opportunities and safety of women, trans and gender-diverse people
- Weak legal and social responses that fail to hold perpetrators accountable
Ending violence requires more than crisis response. It requires changing the conditions that allow violence to happen in the first place.
Who is most affected by gender-based violence?
While anyone can experience violence, women, girls, trans and gender-diverse people experience disproportionate levels of harm. In Australia:
- 1 in 3 women have experienced violence since the age of 15
- 1 in 5 women has experienced sexual violence
- On average, one woman is killed every 11 days by a current or former partner
- 1 in 4 men in Australia aged 18 to 45 say they have used violence against an intimate partner
- Women are twice as likely as men to be hospitalised as a result of family violence
Source: Our Watch; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Gender-based violence does not affect all communities equally. Experiences of violence are often shaped by intersecting forms of inequality and discrimination such as racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty, and migration status. These overlapping barriers can increase vulnerability to violence and make it harder to access safety and support for people including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women
- Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Women and girls with disability
- Older women
- Young women (18-34)
- LGBTIQA+ people
- Women on temporary visas
- Pregnant and recently separated women
How is WAGEC addressing gender-based violence?
WAGEC works across the full continuum, from immediate crisis response to recovery programs and long-term prevention.
Crisis response
We provide safety planning and practical assistance including emergency housing, case management, and specialist homelessness support across NSW.
Get help now.
Recovery and healing
Our programs support survivors to heal, build confidence, access education and mentoring, and establish safe, stable lives, sometimes for the first time.
Learn about our programs.
Prevention and education
We work with schools, early childhood services, workplaces, and communities to challenge attitudes and norms that drive violence to stop it before it starts.
Invite a speaker.
Advocating for change
When we see patterns in the frontline work we do, we take those insights to government, media and communities to advocate for better policies.
Read our submissions.
Questions about gender-based violence
Gender-based violence is a broad term that includes any violence targeting someone because of their gender. Domestic and family violence is a specific form of violence that occurs within intimate or family relationships. Domestic violence is the most common form of gender-based violence in Australia.
No, anyone can experience gender-based violence. Men also experience violence, most commonly perpetrated by other men. However, women and girls are disproportionately affected, particularly by intimate partner violence. The evidence is consistent: gender inequality is the primary driver, and addressing it protects everyone.
Believe them. Listen without judgement. Don’t pressure them to act before they’re ready. Offer practical resources such as transport, childcare, or a safe place to stay. And remind them they’re not alone. If you’re unsure what to say, visit our Resources Hub for more insights on being an effective bystander or ally.
Yes. Evidence shows that promoting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, fostering respectful relationships, and creating safer institutions and communities can help prevent violence before it starts.
How you can help
beyond violence.
