Peoples Progressive Party Policy to End Domestic Abuse

As a coalition of 1000 women united in our commitment to end the scourge of domestic abuse, we call on The Peoples Progressive Party to adopt this comprehensive, survivor-centred policy agenda. Domestic abuse in all its forms - physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, and technological - is a profound violation of human rights and dignity. It shatters lives, families and communities, and prevents women, children and all survivors from reaching their full potential. We believe freedom from violence and abuse is an essential right, and that governments have an urgent duty to enact policies to protect that right.

Principles

1. Education as a Public Good

We firmly believe that education is a public good that should be accessible to all, not a privilege for a select few. The government has a responsibility to provide and fund a robust public education system that ensures every student can reach their full potential.

2. Equity and Inclusivity

All students, regardless of their socio-economic background, cultural heritage, religious beliefs, disability, or geographic location, should have access to high-quality education that meets their needs and aspirations. We are committed to closing the achievement gap and ensuring that no student is left behind.

3. Lifelong Learning

Education does not end with formal schooling. We support a culture of lifelong learning, where individuals have opportunities to continually develop their skills, knowledge, and personal growth throughout their lives.

4. Educator Support:

We recognize the crucial role that educators play in shaping the minds and futures of our students. We are committed to providing educators with the training, resources, and support they need to excel in their roles and foster student success.

5. Innovation and Adaptability

In a rapidly changing world, our education system must be innovative and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of students and society. We support the integration of technology, real-world learning experiences, and evidence-based practices to enhance educational outcomes.

• Recognize domestic abuse as a serious, preventable public health crisis and human rights violation requiring a whole-of-government response

• Confront the gender inequality, discrimination and power imbalances that drive abuse

• Hold perpetrators accountable while providing behavioural change programs

• Reform family law to prioritize safety of women and children

• Place the safety, rights and needs of survivors at the centre of all policies

• Ensure all survivors have access to specialized support services and justice regardless of ethnicity, language, religion, indigeneity, disability, residency status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics

• Implement evidence-based primary prevention to stop abuse before it starts

• Provide training to ensure sensitive, appropriate responses from all systems

Policy Initiatives

• Establish a nationwide 24/7 hotline for survivors to access information, crisis counselling, safety planning and referrals

• Ensure equitable access to a full continuum of quality, holistic support services including crisis response, women's shelters and transition housing, health care, legal assistance, employment and training, childcare, and long-term therapy

• Embed specialist domestic abuse workers in hospitals, child protection, courts, and other settings to provide expert advocacy and support

• Implement 30 days paid domestic violence leave as a universal labour right

• Establish a nationwide 24/7 hotline for survivors to access information, crisis counselling, safety planning and referrals

• Embed specialist domestic abuse workers in hospitals, child protection, courts, and other settings to provide expert advocacy and support

• Implement 30 days paid domestic violence leave as a universal labour right

Law and Justice Reform

• Establish specialized domestic violence courts with trauma-informed practices

• Introduce a national order of protection that applies across state lines

• Strengthen criminal penalties for breaches of protection orders

• Shift the onus of removing an abuser from the home to the justice system

• Restrict cross-examination of survivors by abusers in family court

• Presume children's right to safety with a violent parent in custody decisions

Perpetrator Accountability and Behaviour Change

• PRN Valium and Diazepam program ran from pharmacies, the ability to immediately dispense these medications and other mental health medications that can manage aggression, immediate men’s reach out program.

• Develop pathways for men to self-manage aggression.

• Public awareness programs of the above initiatives.

• Expand evidence-based men's behaviour change and fathering programs.

• Explore restorative and transformative justice models that centre survivor needs.

• Implement coordinated justice, corrections and community responses to monitor high-risk perpetrators and enforce conditions.

Awareness, Education and Prevention

• Fund a major ongoing national public awareness campaign to change attitudes and behaviours that support abuse

• Mandate evidence-based, age-appropriate respectful relationships and consent education in all schools

• Provide targeted training for health, social service, education and justice professionals to recognize and respond to domestic abuse

Research and Evaluation

• Establish a National Domestic Abuse Prevention Agency to lead research, data collection, monitoring and evaluation of what works to prevent and respond to abuse

• Require regular independent evaluations of systems' handling of abuse cases

Dismantling Structural Inequalities

• Address the lack of affordable housing that traps women in abusive relationships

• Ensure the social security system provides a genuine safety net for women and children escaping violence

• Expand pathways to permanent residency for temporary visa holders experiencing abuse

• Provide culturally safe, community-led services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women developed and delivered by Indigenous organizations

• Address the lack of affordable housing that traps women in abusive relationships

• Ensure the social security system provides a genuine safety net for women and children escaping violence

• Expand pathways to permanent residency for temporary visa holders experiencing abuse

• Provide culturally safe, community-led services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women developed and delivered by Indigenous organizations

Implementation

By championing this ambitious policy agenda, the People's Party can lead the way in creating a society where all people can live free from abuse. As survivors, advocates, and concerned citizens, we urge you to seize this vital opportunity. With commitment, collaboration and courage, we can transform Australia into a safer, more just nation for women and children.

Conclusion

The Peoples Party's Comprehensive Education Policy represents a bold vision for a world-class education system that empowers every individual to reach their full potential. By investing in lifelong learning, equity, and global competence, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.

Implementation

By championing this ambitious policy agenda, The Peoples Progressive Party can lead the way in creating a society where all people can live free from abuse. As survivors, advocates, and concerned citizens, we urge you to seize this vital opportunity. With commitment, collaboration and courage, we can transform Australia into a safer, more just nation for women and children.

Conclusion

The Peoples Progressive Party's Comprehensive Education Policy represents a bold vision for a world-class education system that empowers every individual to reach their full potential. By investing in lifelong learning, equity, and global competence, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.

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The Peoples Progressive Party is committed to empowering Australians with the freedoms they deserve. We believe in the right to self-determination, equality, and protection for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Our party will fight to ensure that every Australian has the freedom to live authentically, love whom they choose, and access the support and services they need to thrive. We will work tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers, promote inclusive policies, and create a society where everyone is free to reach their full potential. With The Peoples Progressive Party, Australians can trust that their freedoms will be fiercely defended and upheld.