Overview of Why can’t we stop the DV crisis?
This ABC News Daily episode examines why domestic, family and sexual violence remains such a persistent crisis in Australia despite years of policy attention, public outrage, and government promises. In the wake of a brutal weekend in New South Wales involving multiple alleged domestic violence deaths, ABC political reporter Claudia Long explains the scale of the problem, the limits of current responses, and why prevention remains so difficult to deliver in practice.
Key events and why the issue is back in focus
The episode opens with the immediate trigger for renewed concern: a weekend in NSW that saw several separate alleged domestic violence incidents with tragic outcomes, including the deaths of women of different ages and a child.
Why this matters politically
- These events intensified pressure on NSW Premier Chris Minns and other leaders to act.
- Police described the weekend as one of the worst they had seen, reinforcing how urgent the crisis has become.
- The discussion highlights how public attention often spikes after horrific incidents, then fades again.
Why domestic violence risk can rise at certain times
The episode notes that major sporting events, especially AFL and NRL grand finals, are often associated with increases in domestic, family and sexual violence.
Contributing factors mentioned
- Alcohol
- Gambling
- Humiliation and anger
- Difficulty managing conflict and loss
The key point is that these events can act as pressure points, increasing risk in households where violence is already present.
What governments are trying to do
The National Plan
The federal and state governments are working under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, a decade-long framework intended to end this violence within a generation.
- The National Plan sets the overall goal and principles.
- The action plans are supposed to turn that goal into concrete policy and funding decisions.
Current focus areas
- Early intervention and prevention
- Better use of health and mental health systems to identify risk
- More frontline services and support
- Stronger coordination across jurisdictions
The debate: Royal Commission or action now?
A major theme is whether Australia needs a royal commission into domestic and family violence.
Arguments for a royal commission
Supporters, including advocates such as Cheryl Moody of Australian Femicide Watch, argue that:
- The issue is so serious it deserves a full national investigation.
- A royal commission could expose systemic failures and drive transformative change.
- It would carry political and public weight.
Arguments against it
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Michaela Cronin and others argue:
- Australia already has enough inquiries and recommendations.
- The problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of implementation.
- Too many reports and recommendations are “sitting on a shelf.”
- Resources should go to action, not another long review.
Why progress is so hard
The episode outlines several reasons the crisis remains so difficult to solve.
1. Split responsibilities
- The federal government oversees national frameworks and programs.
- States and territories are largely responsible for frontline services such as shelters, specialist support, and much of the policing and justice response.
This creates a complicated system where responsibility is shared, but not always clear.
2. Uneven implementation
A cited example is the hiring of extra frontline workers:
- The federal government provided funding.
- States and territories were responsible for hiring.
- Progress varied widely across jurisdictions.
3. Politics can lose urgency
Because almost everyone agrees the problem is serious:
- It doesn’t always stay politically “hot.”
- There is less sustained pressure in Parliament.
- The news cycle moves on quickly.
4. Public fatigue and distress
The conversation also touches on:
- Compassion fatigue
- News fatigue
- The difficulty many people have confronting horrific stories repeatedly
Even so, the episode stresses that community support for change remains strong.
Main takeaways
- Domestic, family and sexual violence remains a nationwide crisis, not an isolated issue.
- Tragic incidents often trigger attention, but long-term prevention requires sustained political commitment.
- Australia already has many recommendations and plans; the challenge is delivering them consistently.
- Better coordination between federal, state, and territory governments is essential.
- Frontline services, early intervention, and community-wide responses are central to reducing harm.
Helpful resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Emergency: 000
Bottom line
The episode’s central message is that Australia does not lack awareness of domestic violence—it lacks consistent, well-resourced implementation. The tragedy is recurring, the policy debate is familiar, and the real obstacle is turning broad agreement into sustained prevention and protection.