When a country defines gender-based violence as a “national crisis”, we expect to see a financial response that matches that level of severity, but the reality is disappointing.
Story Topic & Angle
At least 14 cities and towns hosted rallies on 15 March in commemoration of the more than 100 women who have lost their lives due to male violence since the beginning of 2024. Australians around the country are calling for increased funding for prevention and response services for domestic violence, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as a “crisis”.
In my commentary, I will argue that while the federal government has pledged $925 million for the Leaving Violence Program, frontline services remain understaffed, housing support is inadequate, and funding still fails to meet the urgency of the national crisis.
This story fits into the news value of proximity because it is a national issue affecting everyone living in Australia. Besides, it demonstrates the conflict between the general public and the government, such as the ineffectiveness of the government’s program and the failure to deliver on its promises.
Target Publication & User
I will choose the ABC, Australia’s most influential public broadcaster, as my publication. Under the ABC Act 1983, the ABC must ensure that its content reaches a wide range of Australians, particularly when reflecting national and community interest issues. The Act also highlights that the ABC should maintain an independent and impartial news position, which is essential when discussing sensitive issues such as inadequate government funding and lack of services.
The most direct target audience is victims of domestic violence and their supporters, who have an urgent need for increased financial support.
Ordinary Australians should also be concerned about this issue, as raising public awareness can foster greater community consensus and drive more effective policy reform.
Relevant government officials are potential audiences. It can be a call to promote additional policy reforms by showing that current funding remains insufficient.
Sources of Information
- Data from Counting Dead Women Australia cited by ABC News
Assault data from Australian Bureau of Statistics.
- The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics report of family and domestic violence homicide victims.
- Homelessness Australia‘s analysis.
- ABC News report on federal and state responses to the new domestic violence policy.
Hypertext, Multimedia & Interactivity
For hypertext, I will link to ABC’ s article explaining the federal government’s $925m Leaving Violence Program, as well as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report of Specialist homelessness services clients experiencing family and domestic violence.
Visual maps provide a clear view of the geographical distribution of the violence and evoke the emotional resonance of people in the same area. Besides, I manage to embed the footage of recent rallies across Australian cities.
To enhance interactivity, I will embed hyperlinks to relevant ABC News coverage, providing readers with in-depth background information.
Interview (via Zoom or Email)
- Kate Colvin, chief executive officer of Homelessness Australia
- Sherele Moody, founder of both the Red Heart campaign and Femicide Watch
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