Change starts here: A short introduction to primary prevention

Prevention in Focus

Primary prevention targets the underlying drivers of violence against women, such as entrenched gender stereotypes and unequal power dynamics, aiming to stop abuse before it begins. In Australia, this approach is anchored in the 'Change the story' framework, developed by Our Watch and updated with fresh evidence to guide nationwide efforts across sectors like education, workplaces, and media.

Recent developments stem from alarming trends in violence statistics. A 35% increase in intimate partner homicides during 2023-24, coupled with 2024 marking the worst year for gendered violence deaths in nearly a decade, prompted a rapid government review in 2024. This led to enhanced funding and new initiatives in 2025, including extensions to national partnerships and targeted programs in states like Western Australia to counter online misogyny.

The impact reaches far beyond victims. One in four Australian women has experienced intimate partner violence since age 15, contributing to higher rates of death, disability, and illness among those aged 25-44 than any other preventable factor. Children exposed to such violence face intergenerational trauma, perpetuating cycles of abuse and straining social services.

Stakes are high, with economic burdens estimated at $26 billion annually, covering lost productivity, healthcare, and justice system costs. Deadlines loom under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, aiming for substantial reductions by 2032, while state strategies like New South Wales' 2026-2030 perpetrator-focused plan add pressure. Inaction risks escalating fatalities—despite a slight dip in 2025 murders compared to 2024—and deepening societal divides.

Less obvious angles include debates over resource allocation. While prevention funding surges, some argue it diverts from immediate perpetrator interventions, as seen in critiques of the national framework's effectiveness. Trade-offs emerge in balancing broad societal change against targeted responses, with emerging data showing online platforms amplifying harmful attitudes among youth, complicating prevention in digital spaces.