MEDIA RELEASES

MEDIA RELEASE

30 September 2025

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS TASMANIAN SYSTEMS ENABLE ABUSIVE PRACTICES

New research launched today by a Tasmanian specialist family violence service, Engender Equality, has found at least one form of systems abuse has been experienced by 75% of those engaging in family violence counselling. 

The report launched today – Systems abuse and family violence in Tasmania: Evidence and recommendations for action – proposes a framework for deeper understanding of the ways systems themselves enable or enact abusive practices that negatively impact on victim-survivors.  

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said, 

“No one would agree that being re-traumatised by systems that are meant to serve the public, including victim-survivors is acceptable, yet on average, each victim-survivor experiences 3.44 incidents of organisational systems abuse.” 

“Half of all victim-survivors experienced systems abuse in relation to Tasmania Police (50%) and family law proceedings in Tasmania (49%).  

“Our analysis shows that systems abuse is also regularly experienced by victim-survivors across non-legal service systems,” Ms Thomas said. 

Victims-survivors experienced system abuse through public and private housing (27%), primary care providers (19%), child safety (16%), mental health providers (12%), church or religious groups (9%), and education providers (8%).  

Traditionally, systems abuse is generally defined by focusing on the perpetrator’s manipulation of systems, such as the legal system, to exert control over, threaten, and/or harass a current or former partner. Perpetrators might, for example, use systems to deplete the victim’s finances, emotional wellbeing and affect her capacity to care for children or work.    

Organisational systems abuse, including people in power in these organisations, replicates the abuse of power and discrimination against victim-survivors. It is reflected in practices and attitudes that are discriminatory based on gender, financial impost, administrative requirements, time and mental load and emotional wellbeing.  

Engender Equality Peer Worker, Ms Whaling said,  

“I have been told in the court room, by financial institutions, and in prison, that the abuse did not happen. That I was an instigator. Those words came from people who were supposed to help… who knew what the perpetrator did to me, and how deeply it impacted me and my child.”  

Lived experience coordinator, Sneha Sapkota explains, 

“When a woman seeks help, she brings with her the trauma of abuse and the hope of being heard.  

“The systems she encounters, through design, culture, and policies, either opens a door or builds another wall. 

“Whether that space becomes protective or punishing depends on the service provider/practitioner’s ability to see beyond the surface and respond with both skill and humanity. 

“These are structural and organisational processes and cultural attitudes that fail to recognise and respond to family violence, putting barriers in place instead; consequently enabling the views, values and beliefs of the perpetrator”, Ms Sapkota said. 

The report’s recommendations are intended to identify and redress the organisational systemic elements that enable and enact systems abuse, in line with the Tasmanian Government’s Survivors at the centre: Tasmania’s Third Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan 2022-2027. 

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Additional Information 

A copy of the report can be obtained at Systems abuse and family violence in Tasmania: Evidence and recommendations for action, August 2025 – Engender Equality 

Media opportunities will follow the launch that will be held: 

Date: Tuesday, 30 Sept 2025  

Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm  

Location: Mayor’s Suite, Town Hall   

If you would like to engage a lived experience representative (case study), please see Advocates for Change – Engender Equality, email advocates@engenderequality.org.au or phone: 0415 740 524. 

Media Contact: Alina Thomas 0438 788 291 

Please find below – short overviews offered by Lived Experience Advocates on experiences of how systems have replicated power and control dynamics and how systems themselves are experienced as abusive by victim-survivors. Each of these people are available to talk to the media. 

Deb H 

“My ex exploited the social security system, and his employer colluded with him. My Sole Parent Benefit was being docked, as incentive for chasing up child support. I was being docked, the amount he should have been paying in child support, deducted from his wage, even though he was not paying anything. Once he was forced to start paying, he had to pay arrears but not having rent assistance, my situation was very dire, as I was paying mortgage, therefore, my social security payment was much less than for a sole parent renting. I struggled. I had to go to legal aid and get solicitor onto it before he started paying.” 

Chantel  

“Centrelink - When you move from a partnered to single parent, Centrelink asks for a lot of evidence, for e.g., third party statements. If a victim-survivor has no friends or people willing to be contacted, they cannot supply this statement. It becomes one more bureaucratic hurdle to jump when you are in crisis. 

Child Support - Makes a victim-survivor stay connected to the abuser. Even when the abuser doesn’t pay, they can get away with it. 

GP - I was forced to use the same GP as my perpetrator and was not allowed to see female doctors. 

Loans/Payments - I split a loan to buy a car. My perpetrator only put his name on the car, but on the loan agreement had both of our names. I have to pay the loan back because I would get blacklisted otherwise.” 

Bec 

“The Child Support System is facilitation of abuse. In my case, my daughter has been withheld against me. He benefits financially. There was an issue and tax benefits occurred as debt in child support. My tax return was withheld from me and given to my ex. The child support worker advised to stop working as it’s the only way to stop the abuse. 

I never received child support from him all the years as he would say if I went through with it, i would get no help and I can just get $30 a month as he was on Centrelink.” 

Tracey  

“Child Support - stated he made 10k while taking 3 overseas holidays.  

Centrelink - payments affected due to how much he SHOULD pay.  

And the fact that so much child support was owed, it effected my borrowing capacity with banks.” 

MEDIA RELEASE

22 September 2025

COERCION AND CONTROL THAT LIMITS REPRODUCTIVE AUTONOMY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

On World Contraception Day on 26 September 2025 Engender Equality wants to raise awareness of reproductive coercion, a behaviour that interferes with a person’s reproductive autonomy and is both a form of interpersonal abuse and sexual violence.

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,

“These behaviours are usually perpetrated against women by male partners and almost always manifest within a broader pattern of controlling behaviours known as ‘coercive control’.

“Reproductive coercion can be hard to identify because it occurs privately, in a climate of controlling relationships, and involves significant feelings of shame for the victim.

“Traditional gender roles also reinforce men’s propriety over women, remembering that rape within marriage was legal in Australia until the late 1970s.

“Governmental policies and systems that influence or restrict reproductive choices, including those which limit access to termination, create a climate where reproductive coercion can flourish.

“Laws and regulations that interfere with an individual’s reproductive health decision-making cause psychological distress and create real barriers to a victim seeking help.

“Our Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence (PCFSV) Support Service is working with general practitioners throughout Tasmania to support their work with victim-survivors.

“We ask that they treat reproductive coercion with the same gravity and sensitivity you would other forms of intimate partner, sexual or family violence,” Ms Thomas said.

Reproductive coercion can include forcing or pressuring someone to become pregnant or to terminate a pregnancy or preventing someone from accessing contraception. Doing things to stop contraception from working such as ‘stealthing’, the act of removing a condom during sex, or forcing or pressuring someone to undergo sterilisation are also prevalent. Some perpetrators prevent their partners from accessing reproductive healthcare, including screening tests for sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer (pap smears).

Reproductive nurse, working in primary care, Teagan Atkins, explains;

“If a patient appears intimidated by or afraid of their partner, the patient’s partner speaks for the patient, makes decisions on their behalf or is otherwise controlling, this would be a red flag.

“The patient’s partner may insist on attending routine medical appointments, including consultations on contraception and reproductive health to exert control.

“A patient appearing isolated from other family members and friends or who seems reluctant or regretful about their reproductive health choices, including past pregnancies or terminations may also indicate reproductive coercion,” Ms Atkins said.

 Additional Information

This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence Support Service is funded by Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN), through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program. Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency leading the program in partnership with Laurel House.

More information can be obtained at https://engenderequality.org.au. More information including how General Practices and Aboriginal Health Services can connect with the service is available at 03 6268 1663, admin@pcfsv.org.au or www.engenderequality.org.au/pcfsv.

If you would like to engage a lived experience representative (case study), please see Advocates for Change – Engender Equality, email advocates@engenderequality.org.au or 0415 740 524.

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Media Contact: Alina Thomas           0438 788 291

MEDIA RELEASE

2 September 2025

SEXUAL JUSTICE EXISTS WITH FREE AND HEALTHY DECISIONS FOR VICTIM-SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE 

Engender Equality is using World Sexual Health Day 2025 on 4 September 2025 to remind Tasmanians that sexual health can only truly exist when people can live without discrimination, fear, shame, and stigma.

Sexual assault is an insidious and violent violation and is also a health issue for many victim-survivors. Sexual health care after assault means communicating with care and making sure victim-survivors feel believed, supported, and afforded every safeguard for their health and recovery.

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas says,

“The reality is that sexual assault within intimate partner relationships carries particular and heightened risks.

“Sexual assault creates health risks and fears including the possibility of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, and trauma.

“When victim-survivors disclose sexual assault, their safety, dignity, wellbeing and their autonomy must be at the centre for treating General Practitioners and other frontline professionals.

“The conversations that follow—about sexual health, transmittable infections, and safe follow-up—can be especially delicate.

“Shame, coercion, and fear of retribution often stop victim-survivors from being able to manage the full scope of the risks and consequences of their situation. They may be in the very high risk position of having to talk to their abusive partner about their sexual health and this can expose them to escalations of violence and abuse.

“While it may feel important to rush towards screening for sexually transmitted infections, this response must be delivered by practitioners informed about signs and symptoms of infection, and the fact that many STIs are asymptomatic—so is not necessarily the most urgent task when an assault has been reported.

“Every step of this process needs to be explained in simple, supportive terms that restore agency and reduce shame.

“This is where our Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence program is essential in providing support to General Practices with specialist knowledge and skills to navigate this complexity,” Ms Thomas said.

Jess Drew is the Manager of the Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence Pilot, funded by Primary Health Tasmania. Ms Drew explains,

“While in most cases, the risk of an STI transmission is no higher than any other sexual exposure, the fear itself is real and requires careful management.

“We test at baseline to rule out pre-existing infections, but most infections won’t show up until 14 days or more later.

“That’s why clear information, follow-up testing, and supportive care are so important; building trust through listening to and validating the patient is critical,” Ms Drew reported.

Additional Information

This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence support initiative is funded by Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN), through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program. Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency leading the program in partnership with Laurel House.

More information including how General Practices and Aboriginal Health Services can connect with the service is available at 03 6268 1663, admin@pcfsv.org.au or www.engenderequality.org.au/pcfsv.

If you would like to engage a lived experience representative (case study), please see Advocates for Change – Engender Equality , email advocates@engenderequality.org.au or 0415 740 524.

Media Contact: Alina Thomas           0438 788 291

MEDIA RELEASE

27 August 2025

TASMANIA LEADS AUSTRALIA WITH INNOVATIVE GUIDELINES TO INFORM DOCTORS ON LGBTIQA+ FAMILY VIOLENCE RESPONSE 

As we approach ‘Wear Purple Day’ on 29 August, two projects delivered by Engender Equality are merging in Tasmania to address LGBTIQA+ issues of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Engender Equality recently lead Australia in delivering guidelines to fill the gap where there were no dedicated family violence services or tailored resources specifically for LGBTIQA+ people in Tasmania.

Now the guidelines, distributed Australia-wide, will be offered to general practices, to guide inclusive and affirmative practice. This is being delivered through the recently launched Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence project which is offering support and resources to build capacity among 140 general practices in Tasmania.

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,

“General practices are the frontline and perfect point for early intervention for anyone who is subject to intimate partner violence.

“Sadly, many LGBTIQA+ people try to navigate services without knowing whether providers had the skills or understanding to meet their needs. All too often they chose not to access services at all.

“By addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of IPV and improve outcomes for survivors.

“Apart from societal stigma discouraging folks from seeking help, there is fear of discrimination by law enforcement and support services, and insufficient laws protecting LGBTQA+ individuals from violence and discrimination, making it difficult for survivors to find legal recourse,” Ms Thomas said.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects LGBTIQA+ individuals at rates comparable to or higher than those in heterosexual relationships, with unique challenges and barriers to seeking help.

Research indicates that the lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence among LGBTIQA+ individuals is significant. For instance, studies show that bisexual women experience IPV at rates of 69%, while gay men and bisexual men also face high rates of IPV, with 47% and 46%, respectively. These figures are often comparable to or exceed those of heterosexual individuals.

This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence is supported by funding from Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program. Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency leading the program in partnership with Laurel House and Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS).

More information including how General Practices and Aboriginal Health Services can connect with the service is available at 03 6268 1663, admin@pcfsv.org.au or www.engenderequality.org.au/pcfsv.

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Media Contact: Alina Thomas           0438 788 291

MEDIA RELEASE

13 August 2025

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS WEEK

BRAIN INJURY COMMON IN VICTIM-SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

As we approach Brain Injury Awareness Week from 18 August, it’s critical to raise awareness on this less talked about cohort suffering brain injuries, usually inflicted by a loved one.

Brain Injury (BI) among survivors of family violence is common and requires urgent attention and care. BI results from injuries inflicted to the head and neck and can lead to chronic symptoms and high morbidity.[1]

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,

“Assault by choking and non-fatal strangulation, shaking, being pushed into a wall or to the ground where they bang their head, are common causes.

“Our Primary Care Family and Domestic Violence program is focused on improving screening mechanisms for GPs to assist with their forensic medical examination, giving faster turnaround to care and adequate documentation to deliver justice for the victim,” she said.

In recent years, awareness of brain injury in sport, public assaults, and workplace accidents has grown. Campaigns have focused on recognising concussion, preventing harm, and supporting recovery.

However, brain injury has been overlooked when it happens through family or sexual violence. Engender Equality is advocating that brain injuries resulting from family violence need urgent attention; to support victim-survivors’ health and to improve justice outcomes.

Dr Christine Padgett, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania is collaborating with Engender Equality as she researches brain injury caused by intimate partner violence. One of her current projects explores the nature of long-term recovery after brain injury caused by intimate partner violence.

“Brain injuries are often sustained over years and can lead to lasting physical, behavioural, psychological, and cognitive consequences for victim-survivors.

Victim-survivors may not even realise the types of injuries they are sustaining – things like choking for example, can lead to brain injuries. This means they might put symptoms down to stress or not consider them severe enough to warrant attention, when they should be seeking medical advice” Dr Padgett said.

Symptoms like confusion, headache, memory gaps, dizziness, or vision changes, may be an indication of brain injury and victim-survivors should immediately tell their GP or emergency staff exactly how the injury happened.

General Practitioners are encouraged to routinely ask about head trauma and strangulation when working with victim-survivors, record clear details of the injury, order appropriate assessments, refer to brain injury specialists where needed, adapt care for any cognitive impacts, and ensure safety by linking patients with family and sexual violence support services.

Recognising and responding early can prevent further harm, improve recovery, and strengthen a victim-survivor’s access to justice.

Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency working with and on behalf of individuals, families and communities affected by family and domestic violence in Tasmania.

More information including how General Practices and Aboriginal Health Services can connect with the service is available at 03 6268 1663, admin@pcfsv.org.au or www.engenderequality.org.au/pcfsv.

This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence support initiative is supported by funding from Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.

[1] Zieman, G., Bridwell, A. & Cardenas, J. F. (2017). Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Victims: A Retrospective Study at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Journal of neurotrauma, 34(4), 876-880.

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Media Contact: Alina Thomas             0438 788 291

MEDIA RELEASE

16 July 2025

DOCTORS THE KEY TO EARLY INTERVENTION FOR ABUSE OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY

As the community celebrates people with disability this month, Engender Equality and partners are launching a primary care support program for general practitioners and their staff to identify and respond to family and sexual violence (FSV).

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,

“On average, at least 28.1% of women who enter a Tasmanian General Practice, every day, will be victim-survivors of Family and Sexual Violence (FSV).

“Studies have also shown that children with disabilities are between two and four times more likely to experience sexual abuse.

“Engender Equality has partnered with Laurel House and Sexual Assault Support Services to deliver the Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence (PCFSV) support program which aims to support doctors and their staff in identifying and responding to FSV.

“People with disability who also face communication challenges are at heightened risk of interpersonal violence.

“Communication requires that you look for, identify, and remove barriers and actively support people with appropriate devices, communication boards, and your undivided attention.

“While violence being identified by doctors offers the opportunity for early intervention, we must all be vigilant and prepared to respond if we become aware of or suspect anyone is at risk of family or sexual violence,” Ms Thomas said.

Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency working with and on behalf of individuals, families and communities affected by family and domestic violence in Tasmania. We see gender inequality as both the cause and the context of family violence. Only by actively challenging gender-based oppression can we achieve positive and respectful relationships within healthy, inclusive structures and institutions.

For more information on the PCFSV support initiative email admin@pcfsv.org.au. For any other family and domestic violence matters contact Engender Equality at (03) 6278 9090, admin@engenderequality.org.au or visit our website at www.engenderequality.org.au.

This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence support initiative is supported by funding from Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.

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Media Contact: Alina Thomas             0438 788 291

MEDIA RELEASE

13 June 2025

WOMEN WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF FAMILY VIOLENCE AND INCARCERATION TO SPEARHEAD ADVOCACY

Family violence service, Engender Equality is inviting women with a lived experience of family violence and incarceration to join their lived experience Advocates for Change program and help drive systemic, community and social change.

Chief Executive Officer, Engender Equality, Alina Thomas said,

“Engender Equality prioritises the voices of victim-survivors in all activities related to the Advocates for Change program.

“Women who have experienced incarceration deserve the same support, respect, and opportunities as all women affected by family violence.”

“To reflect this, we are extending our existing Advocates for Change program to better support this part of our community.”

“The factors leading to women entering and returning to prison are deeply complex and often rooted in repeated and intergenerational experiences such as violence, homelessness, poverty and child removal.” she said.

“These issues are even more pronounced for First Nations women and girls, who remain disproportionately represented in the prison population.”

Advocates for Change is a volunteer program, where participants are trained and supported to share their lived experience and expertise to improve outcomes for all victim-survivors and ultimately end family and sexual violence. Opportunities include, public speaking, talking to the media, contributing to law amendment submissions and providing input into policy and activity design.

Women who have been incarcerated and survived violence bring valuable expertise about how the criminal justice, legal and support services systems operate, and often fail. They can see problems and injustices that others might overlook.

When victim-survivors speak up and take on roles to advocate for change, they directly influence the way laws, services and the justice system work. Their insights can push for fairer, trauma-informed responses for people who have been harmed.

Lived-experience advocate and Coordinator of the Advocates for Change Program, Sneha Sapkota explains, “At Engender Equality, we are passionate about supporting social change and advocating for the rights of women, mothers and victim-survivors. We believe that sharing our platform with victim-survivors leads to more just and effective outcomes for everyone.”

“Of course, the program prioritises the emotional and personal safety of all advocates. This includes assessing potential risks, their individual readiness, and offering professional counselling as well as ongoing peer support,” Ms Sapkota said.

The new intake includes a four-day training program designed to build understanding about the drivers of violence and current statistics. It provides practical skills such as engaging with the media, identifying and crafting effective messages, writing and delivering a speech, and using lived experiences to influence decision-makers.

Currently, the Advocates for Change team includes more than thirty diverse victim-survivors from across Tasmania. Together, they have meaningfully contributed to key initiatives, including feedback to Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Three essential elements of an effective Tasmanian Child Sexual Abuse Reform Strategy and Action Plan‘; influencing change to Tasmania’s strangulation laws which now identify it as a crime in itself; Participation in preparation of A statement from victim-survivors in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032; and presentations to the Disability Royal Commission during its 2022 Tasmanian hearings.

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Media Contact: Alina Thomas 0438 788 291

For interviews or further photos please contact Alina