MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gambaro
Violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights and must not be tolerated, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Teresa Gambaro said today on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
'Between 10 and 69 per cent of women have reported being physically assaulted at some time in their lives and there is evidence that in some developing countries in our region, rape is used as a weapon in ethnic and armed conflicts,' Ms Gambaro said.
'The Australian Government is committed to helping protect and empower women in developing countries through its international aid agency, AusAID.
The opening last week of the new headquarters in Suva of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, funded by AusAID, offers improved facilities to provide women with counselling and support to bring perpetrators of abuse and violence to justice,' she said.
Over the past six years more than 8,500 clients have received professional counselling and support from the centre and the new facilities will allow more space for confidential counselling.
Australia also funds the Vanuatu Women's Centre which advocates for improvements in the laws protecting families, women and children.
'The cost of violence against women is exacerbated in developing countries where women have a lower status, and a fear of violence that leads them to drop out of work or school. This is disastrous not only in personal terms but for the country's economic growth,' Ms Gambaro said.
'Australian aid is working to help women live in peace, without violence or the threat of violence,' she said.
Media inquiries:
Dean Savage (Ms Gambaro's Office) 0438 171 330
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590