The Australian Medical Students’ Association welcomes the Australian Government’s $925.2 million funding commitment over the next five years to help address violence against women. This announcement comes following a surge in gender-based violence across the nation.

The Australian Government called for an emergency National Cabinet Meeting this week, following tens of thousands of protesters demanding a national crisis be announced over the increasing rates of domestic violence and gender-based violence across the country. The outcome of the National Cabinet was a federal promise to invest over $925.5 million across five years into the Leaving Violence Program, a program that provides financial support, safety assessment and safety planning to those escaping violence.

“My Government is absolutely committed to making progress to end family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

AMSA acknowledges that this financial commitment is a step in the right direction, giving domestic violence victims the economic security required to leave their partner. However, AMSA notes that domestic violence is a complex issue that requires more detailed efforts in public education, professional training and wider preventative measures against domestic violence.

“Currently, the medical school curriculum has limited education surrounding domestic violence. However, the time a victim of domestic violence spends with a doctor may be one of the only times they are alone, and one of the only opportunities we have to safely intervene,” said Natania D’Sa, Chair of AMSA Gender Equity.

“Doctors need more training on this issue. We need to be taught how to create safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence and how to safely help them,” said Ms D’Sa.

AMSA also acknowledges that eradication of gender-based violence extends beyond intervention support.

“Gender-based violence is fuelled by intersecting social determinants. We need to increase access to trauma-informed mental health, counselling and therapy services well after survivors experience violence. Evidence-based approaches to social support – whether that be safe housing, child care support, access to legal services, integration of women back into the workforce or domestic violence training – must also be part of the national conversation,” said Allen Xiao, President of AMSA.

“We can only prevent gender-based violence after tackling its root causes,” said Mr Xiao.

AMSA is the peak representative body for Australia’s 18,500 medical students. AMSA continues to advocate for gender equity in the medical field across Australia.