Enriching the evidence base to better prevent sexual violence

The Albanese Labor Government is bolstering its efforts to end gender-based violence in Australia within a generation by investing $8.3 million to learn more about effective interventions that work to prevent sexual violence.

The Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project will evaluate up to 10 sexual violence intervention programs, building the evidence base on what does and doesn't work in sexual violence prevention.

The project is being delivered by La Trobe University who will work with service providers to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the project will support a key priority of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 to continue to build the evidence base on what measures are effective in preventing gender-based violence.

"To create real change and end sexual violence in our country, we need to take action that is based on evidence," Minister Rishworth said.

"As many as one in five women, and one in 16 men, have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 and our Government is committed to finding the best ways to drive this rate down and create a safer Australia, in partnership with all state and territory governments.

"Through this project, we can ensure we are investing in prevention programs that are effective in targeting what drives and perpetuates sexual violence in our communities."

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said the project would underpin a more robust and effective approach to preventing sexual violence in Australia.

"We are pleased to be working with La Trobe University on this important project," Assistant Minister Elliot said.

"This initiative will help us fill a critical knowledge gap and provide concrete evidence on how we can practically and effectively reduce the incidence of sexual violence."

La Trobe University has commenced an open, competitive Expression of Interest process to engage organisations that deliver sexual violence prevention programs to take part in the project. The process is open until 26 August 2024.

The project is expected to run for about three years and will be independently evaluated.

More information can be found on La Trobe University | Home (eprocure.com.au).