Thousands of people will march across Australia again today, calling for action to stamp out violence against women.
In the third consecutive day of demonstrations, rallies will take place in Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Canberra and Perth.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will attend Canberra’s march today as demonstrators push for a national emergency to be declared.
Marches in Sydney and Adelaide yesterday followed a demonstration in Newcastle on Friday.
At least 26 women have died from alleged gender-based violence in Australia this year, according to data compiled by anti-violence advocates.
Albanese said a woman had been killed every four days so far this year in a statement posted to the social media platform X.
“Violence against women is an epidemic. We must do better,” he said.
“Governments need to do better and as a society we need to do better.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud told Weekend Today this morning that gender-based violence was a “scourge” on society.
He said more government resources were needed to provide safe shelters for victims.
“I understand there’s not even safe places for women to flee to in some of our communities, but it’s also about that education piece,” he said.
“We’ve got to stop the next generation from slipping in this. Young men understanding their role in society and their responsibility in society.”
According to advocacy group Our Watch, 39 per cent of women nationally have experienced violence since the age of 15.
About 27 per cent have experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a cohabitating partner since the age of 15.
If you are in immediate danger call Triple Zero (000).
