Change starts here: A short introduction to primary prevention

Primary Prevention Push

Primary prevention of violence against women focuses on stopping such violence before it occurs by addressing underlying drivers, including rigid gender stereotypes, inequalities in power, and norms that condone violence. In Australia, this approach centers on the 'Change the Story' framework, a shared national strategy developed by Our Watch in partnership with governments and sectors to guide prevention efforts across communities, workplaces, schools, and media.

The topic gains renewed attention in early 2026 through ongoing free introductory sessions offered by Our Watch, an independent national organization established to lead prevention work. These sessions provide an overview of the framework, reflecting sustained demand from professionals new to the field, community groups, and sectors integrating prevention into their operations.

Recent years have seen persistent high prevalence: national data indicate around one in three women experience physical violence and one in five sexual violence since age 15, with intimate partner violence a major contributor. Global estimates released in late 2025 confirm similar patterns in the Americas and worldwide, with lifetime prevalence unchanged at roughly one in three women over two decades and annual declines negligible at 0.2%. In Australia, violence against women costs the economy an estimated AUD 21.7 billion yearly through health, justice, and productivity impacts.

Stakes remain high. Inaction perpetuates cycles of harm affecting women, children, families, and communities, with risks amplified for marginalized groups facing intersecting discriminations. Deadlines loom in national plans and international commitments, including the UN's 2030 Agenda, where prevention targets tie to gender equality goals. Recent U.S. legislative moves, like the 2026 Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act proposal, highlight growing policy focus on advancing primary prevention alongside response.

Non-obvious tensions include the challenge of shifting deeply embedded cultural norms versus immediate crisis response funding priorities, where prevention often receives far less investment—globally, only 0.2% of development aid targets violence prevention. Evidence shows education and community programs can change attitudes and behaviors, yet scaling them requires cross-sector coordination amid debates over measuring long-term impact and addressing backlash against gender equality initiatives.