In Sydney's Martin Place, a solemn vigil unfolds as a member of the public places a single rose beside empty shoes. This powerful act forms part of the annual 'No More Empty Shoes' ceremony, remembering Australian victims of domestic and family violence.
The National Crisis Demanding Action
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley recently posed a crucial question in parliament: "How do we maintain the rage?" Her query came during discussions about ending family and domestic violence, following Labor MP Sharon Claydon's heartbreaking recitation of the 74 Australian women murdered in the past year.
"Every year I read this list in the hope it will be the last," Claydon stated. "Heartbreakingly, that day has not yet come."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared the situation a "national crisis" following numerous horrific deaths, yet tangible action remains elusive. Women's legal services and crisis housing providers continue struggling to meet overwhelming demand, with hundreds of women and children in Melbourne alone being placed in cheap motels nightly due to lack of proper accommodation.
The Toxic Trio Behind Closed Doors
Journalist and advocate Jess Hill identifies what she calls the "toxic trio" – sport, alcohol and gambling – as critical factors in understanding patterns of domestic violence.
Research consistently shows that violence against women spikes around major sporting events. Alcohol consumption increases significantly during these periods, frequently correlating with rises in domestic and family violence incidents. Meanwhile, Australians represent the world's biggest per-capita gambling losers, with young men aged 18-24 forming the fastest-growing group of problem gamblers.
Independent MP Helen Haines directly addressed this connection in parliament, questioning the prime minister about the links. Albanese acknowledged the relationship, stating: "There is no question, as well, that the cause of violence can never be excused but, in many cases, that is one of the issues – along with alcohol abuse, along with so many issues that cause violence."
Systemic Failures and Missed Opportunities
Police respond to a domestic or family violence matter every two minutes across Australia, yet Guardian Australia's two-year 'Broken Trust' investigation reveals frequent failures in policing responses. Warning signs are regularly missed, while inadequate data systems fail to sync information across states and justice networks.
The federal government's own review into ending gender-based violence recommended a phased ban on gambling advertising, along with restrictions on alcohol sales and advertising. It also suggested examining poker machine density in relation to domestic violence prevalence.
Despite these recommendations, action has been minimal. The government faces pressure from big gambling, major sports organisations and broadcasting networks regarding advertising bans.
Backbencher Dr Mike Freelander believes a free vote across parliament would yield a gambling ad ban, with members from across the political spectrum supporting such measures if unconstrained by party politics.
During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the question remains: What happens behind closed doors in your street while the game plays, alcohol flows and bets fail? For countless Australian women and children, the answer remains a matter of life and death.
