There has been a significant 24.6 per cent increase in domestic assault incidents in 2018 compared to 2017 in the Lismore area according to Bureau of Crime Statistics (BOSCAR) figures.
‘The incidence of domestic violence in the Lismore area is 29 per cent higher than the state average. We know that crisis response services are unable to meet demand in this area,’ said Lismore Greens candidate Sue Higginson.
‘This is a hard truth that we cannot ignore – especially today,’ she said recognising the fact that it is International Women’s Day.
‘On International Women’s Day, we honour women’s strength and resilience and celebrate how far we have come. However, these alarming crime statistics indicate we have a long way to go when it comes to addressing violence against women in this region,’ she said.
‘In this country, domestic violence is the number one cause of homelessness. Our region’s rising levels of domestic violence coupled with the current housing crisis is a recipe for disaster. It is a regional emergency that I will prioritise if elected.’
To combat the impact of domestic violence (DV) the Greens are saying that before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November 2019 they will:
- Reintroduce a bill to decriminalise abortion by removing Division 12 of the NSW Crimes Act 1900.
- Introduce a bill to amend the definition of consent in section 61HA of the Crimes Act to require active, affirmative and ongoing sexual consent.
- Put a motion calling on the NSW government to join Our Watch to support the evidence-based framework driving nationwide change in the culture, behaviours and power imbalances that lead to family violence.
- Introduce a bill to repeal the forced adoption laws introduced by the Berejiklian government at the end of 2018.
- Move to establish a Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Committee to oversee the implementation of the NSW Women’s Alliance’s Safe State recommendations.
Ms Higginson said, ‘The Greens know that the best way to stop violence is before it occurs, so our policy initiative includes a broad program for gender equality.’
The Lismore Women’s Rally for IWD is being held from midday to 2pm today 8 March at The Quad in Lismore.
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