16 Days of Activism 2024

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence was launched by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, supported by the United Nations, to increase awareness, support advocacy and share knowledge and innovation to end violence against women and girls.

Globally, almost one in three women experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner or family member with young women and women with disabilities more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence. Women in public life, including parliamentarians and journalists, face high levels of psychological violence, harassment, and threats, often tied to their gender. Each year more than 10 million girls are forcibly married before the age of 18 and over 90% of human trafficking victims are female.

Less than 40% of women who experience violence seek any sort of support and of those who do most rely on family or friends, rather than professional institutions such as police or health service.

Find out more about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

Charles Sturt research on gender-based violence and harassment

Researchers from across schools and faculties at Charles Sturt University work on a wide range of projects that make a real impact on gender-based violence and harassment. Their work is used to inform change, advocate for women, and help eliminate gender-based violence to create a safer world for everyone.

Below are some of the passionate Charles Sturt researchers working towards eliminating violence against women and girls.

Dr Robyn Brunton

School of Psychology. Faculty of Business Justice and Behavioural Science

Why is Robyn's research important?

It is well-known that women are disproportionately impacted by intimate partner/ family and domestic violence. Societal norms and victim-blaming attitudes, while changing, still silence some women from speaking out against violence or abuse or seeking help for what they suffer. Also, pregnancy which should be a time of life that is joyous and wonderful for a woman, is also a time when they are the most vulnerable to intimate partner/ family and domestic violence.

Her research has focused on these areas including examining internalised self-stigma that can result in increased secrecy and isolation, identifying that intimate partner violence is related to pregnancy-related anxiety, and that both additively increase adverse outcomes for mother and child. She has also advocated for screening of abuse and violence during pregnancy using trauma-informed approaches that recognise that not all women may be willing or able to disclose their situation.

Currently, the large project that she is leading is investigating the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking for rural and regional victims/survivors of IPV. It is a basic human right to live free from violence of all kinds. It is her hope that her research will contribute to the realisation of this basic right.

Learn more about Robyn's research

Dr Rachel Hogg

School of Psychology. Faculty of Business Justice and Behavioural Science

Why is Rachel's research important?

Every nine days a woman dies from domestic violence in Australia. Domestic violence causes a spectrum of harm, and this harm is not just experienced in adult relationships. One in three Australian teenagers have experienced intimate partner violence in the last twelve months, including adolescents as young as twelve years of age. This is not simply an issue for those directly implicated in domestic violence, it is one of the most significant social, community, and political issues of this era.

Every person living in Australia knows a victim and/or a perpetrator of this type of violence, even if they don’t realise that they do. Community, and indeed, media literacy, about domestic violence impacts those experiencing and perpetrating this type of harm and the language we use to talk about domestic violence warrants careful consideration. Too often we expect victims to respond to harm in socially acceptable ways that focus on their behaviour and expression of personal agency, creating pressure for victims to turn their trauma into a story of personal transformation.

About Rachel's research

Understanding domestic violence asks that we understand the effects of trauma and the ways in which domestic violence hijacks an individual’s sense of safety to its core. My work considers trauma and domestic violence in context to one another and addresses the ways in which medical and psychological misogyny has impacted women experiencing violence. My public commentary on domestic violence focuses on the ways in which victims of domestic violence are expected to perform to the standards of a neoliberal society to be treated as deserving of empathy.

Women are not responsible for liberating themselves from the structural problem of domestic violence, nor the suffering that accompanies it. My advocacy in the field aims to increase public understanding of the intersections between personal and structural issues relating to domestic violence. What makes domestic violence a pervasive issue that affects a disproportionate number of those living in the regional areas of Australia where Charles Sturt University campuses are located is not its visibility, but its invisibility. Where there is shame, there is silence, and where there is silence, harm can proliferate unchecked.

My research examines the effectiveness of initiatives designed to support those working in professional contexts that intersect with domestic violence and considers how women who have experienced domestic violence are positioned within legal and psychological discourses and within court systems in Australia.

Learn more about Rachel's research

Associate Professor Rachel Kornhaber

School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences. Faculty of Science and Health

Why is Rachel's research important?

Research on burn-related violence against women is fundamental as it provides essential insights into the scale and nature of these incidents, identifies associated risk factors based on demographic profiles, and the sequelae.

Understanding the motivations behind such violence, which often involves familial or marital tensions and disputes over resources, is key to devising effective prevention strategies. Additionally, comprehensive research can drive policy improvements, enhancing protections and support for female victims.

The current scarcity of detailed academic data highlights a significant gap in our understanding, underscoring the urgent need for further studies. This research is important for assisting victims of gender based violence and equally important for promoting broader societal changes that ensure the safety and dignity of all women.

About Rachel's research

Burn-related violence against women and girls is a severe form of gender-based violence that is both alarming and deeply distressing. The intent of such acts is more to inflict severe pain or permanent disfigurement rather than to kill. However, there is scant information about the characteristics of females who endure this kind of violence.

This study reviewed existing literature to understand better the prevalence, demographic details, circumstances of the injury, contributing factors, and health outcomes of women and girls who have suffered from this type of violence. The findings indicate that the victims are mostly married, come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, possess limited education, and depend heavily emotionally and financially on their partners or families. The injuries predominantly result from flames or acid, leading to either significant long-term health issues or death.

Common motives behind such violence include familial or marital conflicts and disputes over property or finances. This review highlights the paucity of comprehensive data in peer-reviewed journals on burn-related violence globally and underscores the critical need for more detailed research to address the complexities of this issue.

Learn more about Rachel's research

Nicola Lock

School of Theology. Faculty of

About  Nicola's research

I have been involved in researching and responding to the issue of gender power imbalances and domestic violence in the church both in Australia and overseas since 2018.

Domestic violence in Christian contexts presents particular difficulties in identification, especially in Christian contexts where certain theologies preference male leadership and the sanctity of marriage.

As a counselling practitioner, educator and researcher I have conducted grounded theory research that examines the issues of the intersection between the incidence of domestic violence, the response to domestic violence and some theology which expounds different roles for women and men.

Learn more about Nicola's research
  • Lock, N.J. “The silencing of women's voices in contemporary conservative evangelical churches; crying in my wardrobe” in Gender, Feminist and Queer Studies: Power, Privilege and Inequality in a Time of Neoliberal Conservatism edited by Donna Bridges, Clifford Lewis, Elizabeth Wulff, Chelsea Litchfield, & Larissa Bamberry. Routledge, 2023.
  • Lock, N.J. “Ensuring Protection of Women, Children and Vulnerable people through developing Codes of Conduct in the Church in a context of gender equality.” in Created to Thrive, edited by Elizabeth Beyer, Minneapolis, MN: CBE International, 2021.
  • Lock, N. J. “The church facing its shame over domestic violence in its midst: A pastoral counsellor's response” [online]. St Mark's Review, No. 243, Mar 2018: 57-71.
  • Lock, N., Grant, S., Hartley, K., Bradford, K., Tough, M., Wheeler, J., Wynn      Jones, C., & Smith, R. (2018). Responding to Domestic Abuse: Policy and Good Practice Guidelines. Anglican Diocese of Sydney. https://www.sds.asn.au/sydney-anglican-policy-responding-domestic-abuse
  • https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-5264-7904

Dr Patricia (Trish) Mackey

PhD, BAppSc (OT), MSocSc(Welf & SocPol), BSW (Hons 1st Class), G. Dip Prof Writ, Graduate Certificate Learning Teaching in Higher Education

School of Social Work and Arts. Faculty of Arts and Education

Why is Trish's research important?

Conducting research with women on their experiences of violence and obtaining their ideas for preventing and addressing violence is essential to ongoing reforms and in meeting the goals of the Australian National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

Women have the right to express their views and perspectives and should they wish, co-lead change and reform initiatives in the domestic and family violence area. Children with experiences of domestic violence must also have the opportunity to be involved in service developments and reforms.

It is estimated that 25% of children in Australia have experiences of domestic violence, and yet, their voices are mostly missing from research. In Australia, we have limited knowledge on how children make sense of this violence and how they themselves, think the issue could be addressed. Children with experiences of domestic violence are victim survivors in their own right.

About Trish's research

Dr Mackey’s PhD research explored the barriers, enablers, and ethical decision-making in domestic violence research with children. In completing this research, she interviewed 49 participants across five cohorts: mothers with experiences of domestic violence, domestic violence service providers, child clinicians, HREC members, and domestic violence researchers.

Barriers to children’s participation in DV research concerned fears and safeguarding issues. Domestic violence research with children was constructed as dangerous and risky. Children could also be retraumatised. In the Australian domestic and family violence service context, children were overshadowed in a closed, adult-centric system and this contributed to participation barriers. Domestic violence research with children was best enabled by adopting a child-rights focus and a trauma-safe approach and by building support and collaborations in this research.

Findings related to the enablers in this research led to the development of the STARR model of Attuned Trauma-Safe Research. (SAFE, Trauma-Safe, Activity-based, Relational and Rights-based participation). This model can safely enable children to have a say about their support needs and to voice their ideas on tackling domestic violence.

Learn more about  Trish's research
  • Mackey, P., Plath, D., Joosten, A., Moore, T. (2024). Mothers’ Views About Children’s Engagement in Domestic Violence Research, Journal of Family Violence, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00743-7
  • Mackey, T. (2023). Views of mums about involving children in DV related research. Criminology TV (National), Australia, Television. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMczL5nIgZQ
  • Mackey, (2021). Barriers and enablers to conducting domestic violence research with children [PhD Thesis]. Australian Catholic University, School of Allied Health https://doi.org/10.26199/acu.8w440
  • Larance, L. Y., Mackey, P., & Detjen, K. (2024). Invitation to contribute to a special issue of Qualitative Social Work: Domestic violence and abuse across the life course: Considerations for practice and research. Qualitative Social Work, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/14733250241288995

Alisha McFarlane

School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences. Faculty of  Science and Health

Why is Alisha's research important?

Research on violence and abuse towards women is essential in understanding and addressing the deeply rooted cultural and societal norms that perpetuate gender-based violence across various spheres, including workplaces. Women often face increased risks of harassment, abuse, and violence in their professions, impacting their safety, mental health, and professional growth.

The subtlety of harassment is often insidious, manifesting in behaviors that may appear benign but accumulate to undermine a woman’s confidence, integrity, and growth. Small comments, dismissive gestures, or exclusion from opportunities can erode her sense of worth and place in her profession, making her question her own abilities and value. These microaggressions, though seemingly minor in isolation, build a hostile environment that hinders her from reaching her full potential and forces her to navigate constant, invisible barriers.

By examining these issues, research can uncover the systemic factors that enable such behaviors, challenge harmful stereotypes, and inform policies aimed at reducing workplace violence and abuse. This work is crucial for cultivating environments where women are respected, supported, and empowered. Ultimately, research serves as a foundation for reshaping norms, promoting gender equality, and fostering safer, more inclusive workplaces for all.

About Alisha's research

Alisha is a registered paramedic and Lecturer in Paramedicine at Charles Sturt University, known for her commitment to advancing gender equality within the profession. With extensive experience in clinical practice and academia, she brings a unique perspective to her research, which focuses on the experiences of individuals who identify as women paramedics in Australia and the challenges they face, including sexism and systemic barriers to career advancement.

Alisha actively champions the philosophy "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception" underscoring her dedication to fostering a more inclusive environment where women are equally represented in leadership roles.

In her own leadership roles, Alisha chairs the Australasian College of Paramedicine’s Women in Paramedicine Committee , where she works to set high standards for clinical practice and advocate for women's advancement. Her research not only sheds light on critical cultural issues but also serves as a foundation for change, inspiring the next generation of paramedics to challenge the status quo and cultivate a more equitable and diverse profession.

Learn more about Alisha's research
  1. Paramedicine and workplace sexual harassment: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003316954-17/paramedicine-workplace-sexual-harassment-alisha-mcfarlane-hannah-stack-sonja-maria-donna-bridges
  2. The experiences of reporting sexism toward female paramedics in Australian ambulance services: A scoping review: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajs4.283
  3. A 'culture of retribution', sex discrimination, harassment and bullying: the undue costs of women working in Ambulance services in Australia: https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/a-culture-of-retribution-sex-discrimination-harassment-and-bullying-the-undue-costs-of-women-working-in-ambulance-services-in-australia/
  4. Gender equality and workplace education resources: https://www.wgea.gov.au/pay-and-gender
  5. Alisha McFarlane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-mcfarlane-28a9a9157/?originalSubdomain=au

Gender and Feminist Studies Network, Charles Sturt University

The Gender and Feminist Studies Network centres CSU as an expert voice about women’s equality and empowerment, in the Central West. The network hosts events that coordinate and bring together stakeholders in CSUs regions and ensures the participation of a diverse range of experts. We foster a supportive environment for discussions on the issue of and gendered violence that increases awareness, encourages engagement, and influences attitudes:

The Gender and Feminist Studies Network also produces the 2MCE Radio Show “Conversations for a Brave New World” bringing global, national and local issues about gender, sexuality and feminism to the Central West. In honour of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence our show this month is about activism and violence prevention in rural NSW.

Dr Donna Bridges is joined by two experts in the area of violence against women. Paula Cahill is a Generalist Counsellor at the Central West Women’s Health Centre in Bathurst and works extensively with women experiencing or recovering from domestic violence and Dr Rachel Hogg is a senior lecturer in Psychology at Charles Sturt University who contributes to academic and media discourses about domestic violence reforms.

Earlier this year we showcased women working in Women’s Health Centres who are committed to gender equality, women’s health and to ending violence against women, everyday. International Women’s Day: Women’s Health Centres.