Minister Jim O’Callaghan hosts National Forum on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence
-
From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 24 March 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
This morning, Minister Jim O’Callaghan hosted a national forum on Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), bringing together key stakeholders including representatives from Cuan, the statutory DSGBV agency, to advance Government’s commitment to a Zero-Tolerance approach to DSGBV.
The event highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to tacking DSGBV through expanding support services, strengthening legal protections, and driving cultural change to prevent violence and abuse.
Minister O’Callaghan opened the forum by acknowledging the dedication of all those working tirelessly on the frontline, stating:
"You are the backbone of our national fight against DSGBV. Your work is nothing short of life changing, often under extremely difficult circumstances.
"Your commitment is inspiring, and your work is essential in supporting survivors."
The forum also featured a key presentation from the CEO of Cuan, Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, who provided an update on the agency’s progress in expanding refuge spaces and improving service delivery for survivors, which includes a strong focus on using data and evidence to inform policy decisions, ensuring that service provision aligns with the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy and responds effectively to the needs of survivors.
Dr O’Keeffe said:
"A core objective of Cuan, under its Corporate Plan, is to lead the development and delivery of quality and effective services and supports, accessible to all victims and persons at risk of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Active engagement with the services and organisations to whom we provide funding and support is at the heart of this objective.
"I am very pleased to join Minister O’Callaghan and colleagues across the sector today to discuss how we work together to deliver on our shared task of ensuring that all persons at risk of DSGBV have access to the supports and services they need."
The event provided an opportunity for the Minister to outline the government’s clear commitment to advancing a robust survivor-centred response to DSGBV, and several key priority actions to address DGSBV:
"I am committed to pushing forward with real tangible action to ensure that every survivor has access to the support they deserve.
"Each of these actions - from increasing refuge spaces and introducing critical legislative reforms, to modernising our justice system - are steps toward ensuring survivors of DSGBV are supported and protected.
"But we must go further. We must focus on prevention and changing harmful societal attitudes. This is about building a society where violence is not tolerated, and where survivors are believed, heard, and given the resources to rebuild their lives."
The Minister took a moment to recognise the importance of survivor input in shaping DSGBV Policies stating:
"Your courage, strength, and resilience drive everything we do. You remind us of the urgency of our work, and we will continue to act with the urgency and focus required to protect and support you."
The Minister concluded his opening address with a strong commitment to continued collaboration across all sectors and emphasised that eradicating DSGBV is a national effort that requires strong partnerships and a unified approach:
"Eradicating DSGBV is a national effort. We must continue to work together with a shared focus on protecting survivors, preventing violence, and creating lasting change."