This is a war on women. We must mobilise the resources to prevail

It’s nearly two weeks since the shocking death of Molly Ticehurst, allegedly at the hands of her partner in Forbes, sparked outrage about the epidemic of gendered violence sweeping Australia.

Despite this outcry, the NSW government is yet to outline a significant response. On Friday, an emergency cabinet meeting heard first hand from domestic violence experts, advocates and survivors, but no new policies were announced.

In a press conference, NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car said the cabinet meeting was “about hearing from those experts and those involved in arguing for change.” She promised an emergency domestic violence package would be released “within days”.

Deputy Premier Prue Car at a press conference following a special meeting of the NSW Cabinet on domestic and family violence.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

The passion for change expressed by senior female government members who addressed the media following the special cabinet meeting, including Environment Minister Penny Sharp and Housing Minister Rose Jackson, was encouraging.

But the delay in making any concrete policy changes is surprising; it is clear governments are playing catch-up on domestic violence.

New policies should be properly considered, and the Herald will reserve judgment until the full package of measures has been revealed. But the patience of women is running out.

Car indicated the government’s response would include short-term, medium-term and long-term measures. There will be a welcome focus on early intervention and prevention.

But time for talk is over; the onus is now on the NSW government to deliver.

A federal government commitment, announced this week, to provide a one-off $5000 payment to women escaping violence, has drawn fire for being nowhere near enough.

Long-term advocate Anne Summers described the size and conditions for its use as “laughable” and an “insult to women”.

The federal package has also been criticised for its failure to provide additional funding for overstretched frontline services that grapple with the domestic violence epidemic on a daily basis.

Since the death of Ticehurst on April 22, additional evidence of colossal domestic violence policy failure has emerged. The Herald revealed on Friday that women fleeing domestic violence are being housed in tents in parts of regional NSW, and one shelter has been forced to set up a secure car park, so women can sleep safely in their vehicles.

Car has said repeatedly that “everything is on the table” as the government considers its domestic violence package. The Herald believes a royal commission should be among the announcements.

There is growing support for this.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton indicated on Friday that a Coalition government would conduct a national royal commission into domestic violence if elected next year.

Former Liberal premier Dominic Perrottet has already called for one in NSW.

The death of Ticehurst revealed yawning operational gaps in official systems aimed at preventing domestic violence. These often demand difficult, real-time reactions to deadly threats. Dealing with such an entrenched problem will require carefully calibrated policies and sustained investment across many layers of government and civil society.

Yes, there have been many studies and inquiries into gendered violence, but a royal commission is needed to sift through the evidence and tailor a response to the specific circumstances that prevail in NSW. This would identify the best ways to address the operational gaps exposed by Ticehurst’s death, and those of the many other women allegedly murdered over recent years. It would also recommend the most appropriate ways to shift destructive social attitudes that currently fuel gendered violence in the state.

It goes without saying that domestic violence is a complex challenge and a royal commission is needed to ensure NSW adopts sophisticated, enduring solutions.

As the body count rises, Australian women could be forgiven for feeling like they are under siege. Like any other war, we must mobilise the resources necessary to prevail.

We can no longer tolerate so many people in our state living in fear of violent assault.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

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