Commissioners reject Senator Hanson’s domestic violence comments

Australian Human Rights Commission Media Release

Australia’s Commissioners for gender equality and children’s rights, Dr Anna Cody and Deb Tsorbaris, have rejected comments by One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson, who described domestic and family violence as “a two-way street” and minimised the inherent risks in leaving abusive relationships.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, Senator Hanson described domestic violence as a “scourge” and briefly referred to her own experience. She then appeared to suggest that violence should be understood in the context of broader social pressures, such as cost-of-living stress and a decline in face-to-face communication – which the Senator attributed in part to the overuse of technology.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody said: ‘I am sorry that Senator Hanson has experienced domestic violence. It is a national crisis affecting 1 in 4 women and girls in Australia.

‘Any suggestion that victim-survivors share the blame is harmful, wrong, and dangerous. Domestic violence is never the responsibility of the person experiencing it. Just this month, two women and two girls have been allegedly murdered. In May, there were four alleged domestic violence killings in as many days. Femicide remains a national crisis, and any attempt to shift the blame undermines our efforts to end it.

‘Leaving a violent relationship is not simply a matter of walking away. For many women and children – and the evidence is clear – it can be one of the most dangerous times. Sadly, we have seen too many examples of women who left violent relationships being killed.

‘Victim-survivors may be weighing fears for their safety, threats from their abuser, financial insecurity, housing availability, the wellbeing of their children, and whether they have access to family, community and specialist support services.

National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris said: ‘Children who live with or experience violence are often overlooked in conversations about it, despite the profound and lasting harm they carry for years.

‘When a parent is trying to keep themselves and their children safe, the barriers they face are often enormous. We must recognise the complexity of these situations and ensure children and families are supported rather than judged.

‘Every child has the right to grow up safe, supported, loved and free from violence.’

The Commissioners said financial pressures do place strain on families, but they should never be used to excuse or explain away violence.

‘Many Australians are doing it tough, but hardship does not cause someone to use violence. Violence is a choice – and blame rests entirely with the person who commits it,’ Commissioner Cody said.

The Commissioners said several important national policy processes currently underway provide an opportunity to strengthen efforts to prevent family and domestic violence – including the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, the National Plan to Protect Australia’s Children, and the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse.

‘These processes provide an opportunity to listen to victim-survivors, children and young people, and take meaningful action to prevent violence before it starts.’ Commissioner Tsorbaris said.