Safety and security

People of different genders experience varying levels and types of safety risks. Women and gender diverse people are at a higher risk of violence which can impact their sense of security in public and private spaces. Almost 39% of women aged 15 and over have experienced physical or sexual violence. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women are three times more likely to experience sexual violence and 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due to violence than other women. Domestic and family violence is also the leading cause of homelessness for women, accounting for 45% of women accessing homelessness services nationally in 2022–2023.

Women’s safety is essential to achieving gender equality. Women have a right to feel and be safe in their homes and in the community and be empowered to thrive in all aspects of their lives. The consequences of violence against women are personal, societal and economic, and are far-reaching.

Women and girls experience a ‘personal safety burden’ on public transport, including emotional, cognitive, and financial costs of avoiding harassment.  Women are also disproportionately reliant on public transport, including using it at different times due to caregiving responsibilities and part-time work.

Women are also disproportionately impacted by domestic and family violence, as well as being impacted by community attitudes. The National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey found that more than a third of respondents incorrectly believed women use false domestic violence claims in custody cases.

While women’s safety is everyone’s responsibility, governments have a key role to play in prevention, early intervention, response, recovery, and healing.

What to consider

• Different ways in which different genders engage with key activities under your policy or program, and whether there is a difference in safety or risk between them.
• Gaps in policies that may exacerbate safety risks, such as insufficient lighting or placement of amenities.
• Gaps in reporting or support procedures for services that may discourage people from raising concerns.
• Placement and safety of public transport, and other public spaces that are inherently less safe for certain genders.
• Placement and safety of public amenities, such as toilets, walking and bike trails, car parks.
• Availability of emergency support and services where violence or risk is identified. For example,  for people accessing other services.
• Whether the initiative reduces or increases safety risks for people of different genders.
• Whether the initiative takes into account differences in real and perceived safety of different genders.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2021–22 Personal Safety Survey

Australian Government, Department of Social Services, National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children

Homelessness Australia, Homelessness and domestic and family violence, State of Response Report 2024

City of Sydney, On the go: how women travel around our city

Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, Attitudes Matter: Summary NCAS, the 2021 National Community Attitudes Towards Violence Against Women Survey

Australian Government, Department of Social Services, Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036