Queensland launches first framework to prevent sexual violence
Prevent. Support. Believe. Queensland's framework to address sexual violence (PDF) (the framework) establishes an overarching plan for all government policy and programs to prevent sexual violence from happening and support those who have experienced it to recover, heal and seek justice.
The framework, released on 15 October 2019, reflects the feedback received during consultation and the voices of people with lived experience of sexual violence who courageously shared their stories and insights about how to create positive change. More than 700 people engaged in the consultation process through community forums held across the state, at sessions for victims and survivors and via written responses. Read the Sexual violence prevention consultation summary (PDF).
The framework covers all forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, harassment, youth and child sexual abuse, and technology-facilitated violence. It outlines 3 priorities for action:
- prevention
- support and healing, and
- accountability and justice.
Several initiatives outlined in the framework will commence straight away, including making respectful relationships education compulsory in all Queensland state schools and establishing a sexual violence champions group.
A comprehensive Action plan to address sexual violence will be released in 2020. Going forward, future actions to address sexual violence will be incorporated into the Action plan, which will retain a gendered focus while also responding to sexual violence experienced by all Queenslanders. The Action plan will replace the Violence against women prevention plan 2016–22 (PDF) in addressing sexual violence against women and girls.
A Queensland violence against women prevention plan 2016–22 progress report (PDF) has been released to document the actions achieved to date.