Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respect to Elders past and present.Sovereignty was never ceded. This was, is and always will be Aboriginal land.

What are the impacts of gender-based violence?

On average, every 9 days inAustralia, a woman is murdered by her current or former partner.

Since the age of 15, 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence.

1 in 3, physical violence.

And 1 in 4, physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.

These statistics are similar globally. The UN estimates that 35% of women worldwide have experienced gender-based violence. In Australia, First Nations women, women with disability, women from culturally diverse backgrounds and LGBTQ+ people experience it at even higher rates.

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Many more are impacted by non-physical coercive control—a pattern of intimidation, violence, humiliation, threats and manipulative behaviour that isolate and leave a person living in fear. The ripple effects mean children, families and community may be impacted too.

Each person’s experience is different and abuse may happen in more than one relationship. Somebody might be experiencing coercive control from an intimate partner, be financially abused by their sibling, and also experience racism or transphobia in the street.

Impacts of violence and pathways to recovery are personal, but anyone who experiences abuse should be able to access the support they want.

At WAGEC we support women and children so that they can choose the best options for recovery.

Even though women and their children are the ones most affected, by normalising gender equality in public and private life everyone will benefit.

We all have a responsibility to be a part of ending gender-based violence in a generation.

If you or someone you know needs support in Australia call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or go to www.wagec.org.au

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