Macedon Ranges Shire Council led the development of Australia's first Prevention of Violence Against Women in Emergencies Action Plan 2015-16 with the support of fellow members of the Prevention of Violence Against Women in Emergencies Subcommittee of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee.
This plan aimed to prevent violence before it occurs in the context of emergencies - either in relation to residents who are directly or indirectly impacted by an emergency, or those volunteers and staff (or their partners) who work in emergency response, relief and recovery.
Little evidence existed about successful strategies for local action in the largely unchartered arena where violence prevention and emergency management intersect, so the actions developed focussed on addressing the underlying causes of violence against women such as gender inequality, beliefs in rigid gender roles and stereotypes, and behaviours that contribute to, or condone, violence.
The Cobaw Lancefield fires in October 2015 provided a real-life opportunity to implement new approaches. These included:
- creating awareness at all post-fire community meetings about the increased potential for family violence and the need to look out for family and friends who might need help
- including information on local support services for those experiencing, or at risk of, family violence in packs for affected residents and ensuring information was readily available at the Recovery Centre and other community gathering places
- trained staff and volunteers working for support agencies were able to pick up on several instances of family violence and respond with referrals and information.
Key findings from a review of the first plan (which informed the development of a subsequent plan for 2017) include the need to factor in the limited availability and capacity of partner agencies during the fire danger period; and that a focus on building understanding of the link between gender equity and family violence is necessary.
For further information contact the Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
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