MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
'One in every three women around the world will suffer from violence,' the
Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Mrs Chris Gallus said today on
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
'Every day, women are abused at home, in the community, and are victims of
trafficking or conflict where rape and sexual slavery are used as weapons of
war,' Mrs Gallus said.
'Violence prevents women from achieving equality and they are particularly
vulnerable in poor countries, where poverty can cause discontent and violence at
home and in the wider community.
'Australia's overseas aid program is helping developing countries tackle
poverty and address the needs of women and those affected by violence.
'Throughout South East Asia, Australia is working to stop the trafficking of
women across borders and fighting the illegal people trade,' Mrs Gallus
said.
'Australian aid assists victims in Fiji and Vanuatu at women's crisis centres
and works with the broader community to raise awareness of the damage
caused.
'Greater equality for women is being achieved through income generation
projects in the Solomons, East Timor and Indonesia, and in Papua New Guinea,
where police officers are trained to deal with domestic violence.
'Australian aid is working to help women live in peace, without violence or
the threat of violence,' Mrs Gallus said.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 / 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489