For more, please contact VicHealth Media Coordinator – Antony Balmain. T. 03 9667 1373 M. 0413 627 336
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Embargoed:
1159pm Tuesday 24 November 2009
VIOLENCE REDUCTION POINTS TO BIG BENEFITS
New VicHealth-funded research finds even a modest reduction in intimate partner violence could save up
to 74 Australian lives a year – and result in at least 6,000 fewer new cases of violence-related harm.
There would be more than
one
third of a
billion dollars in economic benefits with achievable violence
reduction, the data finds.
The study, commissioned by VicHealth has been compiled by researchers from Deakin University and the
National Stroke Research Institute and forms part of The Health and Economic Benefits of Reducing
Disease Risk Factors.
The data examines the health and economic benefits of reducing a range of risk factors, including intimate
partner violence.
The significance of this landmark study cannot be underestimated according to
VicHealth CEO, Todd Harper:
“We are all horrified by the human impact of violence against women and its tragic effects.
The new data comes as activities around Australia take place to mark the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence Against Women.
“Each year the number of women who experience sexual assault would fill every seat in the MCG (close
to 100,000), with 20,000 women occupying the standing room areas as well.
“And Etihad Stadium at capacity of 50,000 could only cope with two thirds of the women who experience
violence by a current or former partner every 12 months.
“This new research examines the human and
economic impacts,
and provides compelling evidence of
why we must act now to prevent violence against women.
“Not only is it one of the greatest human rights abuses that disproportionately effects women, it has a
huge economic cost that ultimately effects us all,” Mr Harper said.
“The research provides strong evidence of the health and economic benefits of achieving even small
reductions in violence against women in Australia – levels that have already been achieved in Denmark.
“This data is groundbreaking because it’s based on realistic scenarios – such as Denmark where 22 per
cent of women report an experience of domestic violence compared with 27 per cent Australia.
“Large gains
can be made
through changes in the behaviours that lead to chronic illnesses
like
depression and anxiety caused by violence against women.
“Ultimately we are aiming to eliminate violence against women altogether. If we were to achieve this there
would be savings of more than $2 billion - $207 million in health sector costs like visits to GPs, and $1,801
million in production and leisure costs, like absenteeism.
“If intimate-partner violence against women in Australia were reduced from 27% in 2008 to 22%, over time
there would be 74 lives saved each year and at least 6,000 fewer new cases of violence-caused illness,”
Mr Harper said.
For more, please contact VicHealth Media Coordinator – Antony Balmain. T. 03 9667 1373 M. 0413 627 336
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“No violence is acceptable in our community,
however this data
shows that even very small reductions
can achieve substantial benefits - $38 million in the health sector costs and $333 million in production and
leisure costs,” Mr Harper said.
“Violence against women can be prevented by changing attitudes and behaviours. It is straight forward.
Men and boys all need to take responsibility for their actions, in all walks of life, from sports to schools,
boardrooms, pubs and in the home,” Mr Harper stressed.
The new data coincides with a State Plan for preventing violence against women announced by the
Victorian Government
by the Premier Hon John Brumby and Minister for Women’s Affairs Hon Maxine
Morand. The plan highlights the need to reduce violence in places like schools, workplaces and sports
clubs.
The new data also comes ahead of a White Ribbon Day event led by the Australian Services Union, and
supported by VicHealth
and Victoria Police, to raise awareness about family violence and
to remember
those women and children who have been killed as a result of family violence homicide. ‘Not One More’ is a
public event to be held at Federation Square, Melbourne on Friday 27th November at 7pm.
ENDS
NEWS 
