Rallies have taken place across Australia in response to a wave of recent violence against women.
Demonstrators are calling for gender-based violence to be declared a national emergency and for stricter laws to be implemented to prevent it.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the issue as a national crisis, stating that the government needs to do better at all levels.
He emphasized the need to change culture, attitudes, the legal system, and the approach by all governments to address the issue effectively.
Organizer Martina Ferrara highlighted the importance of providing alternative reporting options for victim survivors to empower them in their healing and reporting journey. The government is being urged to take immediate action and recognize the urgency of the situation.
Protests have been held in various cities across Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Newcastle. The recent killings of women have reignited the conversation around gender-based violence in the country.
In response to calls for violence against women to be classified as a national emergency, Mr. Albanese emphasized the need for ongoing and serious efforts to address the issue.
The rallies also coincided with the charging of a man for the alleged murder of a 30-year-old mother-of-four, adding to the urgency of the situation.
In the first 119 days of 2024, 27 women have been killed in Australia, according to data compiled by the campaign group Destroy the Joint.
The recent violence has sparked outrage and calls for action to address the systemic issue of gender-based violence in the country.
The rallies and protests have drawn attention to the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of women in Australia. It is a crucial moment for the government and society as a whole to come together to address this pressing issue.
