PORT Stephens residents are being encouraged to comment on the draft National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Liberal candidate for Paterson, Brooke Vitnell, is urging locals to provide feedback.

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“Domestic and family violence is our nation’s shame.

“The draft National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 outlines a shared long-term commitment to a future free from all forms of gender-based violence in Australia built on four pillars: Prevention, Intervention, Response and Recovery,” Ms Vitnell said.

Based on the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the Port Stephens Local Government Area was in the worst 50 Local Government Areas for reports of Domestic Violence and Abuse, with a shocking 373 reported incidents in the 2020-21 period.

Ms Vitnell encourages everyone across the Port Stephens community – including people with lived experience of violence, family safety advocates, service providers, researchers, organisations, and the public – to have their say on the next National Plan.

“Over the past two years, with isolation and social distancing from COVID-19 comes many vulnerable people in our community forced into close confines with their domestic violence perpetrators.

“In times of crisis and natural disasters, there is always a documented rise in domestic abuse.

“Port Stephens, have your say, please participate in this survey so that national policy tailored to the needs of our community can be created,” Ms Vitnell said.

Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Minister for Women’s Safety announced that the Morrison Government will invest $1 million to ensure ongoing engagement with victim-survivors throughout the life of the next National Plan in support of the foundation principle.

“We must recognise how race, age, disability, culture, gender, including gender identity, sexuality amongst others forms of identity, intersect and impact on this lived experience.

“To succeed we must listen, engage and be informed by diverse lived experiences which is why we are committed to ongoing engagement with victim-survivors.

“We must get this right,” Minister Ruston said.

Everyone in Australia is invited to give feedback on the draft via the questionnaire on engage.dss.gov.au until 31 January 2022.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.

By Tara CAMPBELL