MEDIA ALERT

18 September 2026

MEDIA CALL: 

DATE: 7 OCTOBER 2026
TIME: 9am – 9.45AM
VENUE: MOONAH ARTS CENTRE, 23-27 ALBERT ROAD, MOONAH

ALL SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS WILL BE PRESENT AND AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

LANDMARK TASMANIAN FORUM TO SHED LIGHT ON NON-FATAL STRANGULATION

On 7 October 2026 first responders and family and sexual violence specialists from throughout Tasmania will come together for this landmark forum to elevate the conversation about the harm caused by men’s violence against women, non-binary people and girls in the form of non-fatal strangulation. Attendees will learn how to identify and respond to non-fatal strangulation and improve our systems response to victims of non-fatal strangulation. 

The audience will include: 

  • General practitioners 
  • Aboriginal Health Services 
  • Ambulance Tasmania personnel 
  • Tasmania Police Officers 
  • Accident and Emergency Personnel 
  • Family and Sexual Violence practitioners 

The local and interstate expert line-up includes:  

  • Professor Heather Douglas, AM, FASSA is a Professor of Law at the Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, leading author on non-fatal strangulation 
  • Lucy Lord, CEO, Red Rose Foundation (Queensland) 
  • Erin Giles, Lived Experience Advocate for Change 
  • Dr. Meredith Stronach, General Practitioner and Forensic Medical Examiner 
  • Dr. Christine Padgett, Psychologist, Lecturer at UTAS, and Researcher into Brain Injury 
  • Dr. Chantal Roddy, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Mindset Neuropsychology 
  • Ben Plant, Team Leader, Ambulance Tasmania 

Support: This forum discusses family and sexual violence, including non-fatal strangulation. If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (FVCSS) on 1800 608 122, or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24/7 national counselling, information and support. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. 

Media Contact: Alina Thomas 0438 788 291

We acknowledge, with deep respect the Palawa and Pakana people, the traditional owners of Lutruwita. The Palawa and Pakana people belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world. They have lived in union with Country for many thousands of years. We express gratitude for their custodianship and stand with Palawa and Pakana people.

Engender Equality proudly welcomes all people of diverse genders and sexualities including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, people with variations of sex characteristics (also known as intersex), queer and asexual people.


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In immediate danger? Call 000

Supported by the Crown through the Department of Premier and Cabinet.


© 2026 Engender Equality. All rights reserved.

RESPECT

We acknowledge, with deep respect the palawa people, the traditional owners of lutruwita (Tasmania/Van Diemen’s Land). The palawa people belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world. They have lived in union with Country for many thousands of years. We express gratitude for their custodianship and stand with palawa people in the declaration that sovereignty remains unceded.

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. This outcome will ultimately benefit the whole Tasmanian community.


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Engender Equality is not a crisis service.

In immediate danger? Call 000

Supported by the Crown through the Department of Premier and Cabinet


© 2024 Engender Equality.

All rights reserved.