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On Her Way: Primary prevention of violence against immigrant and refugee women in Australia 2011
Violence against women is a significant public health issue worldwide. It impacts negatively on women's and children's physical
and mental wellbeing, and limits their access to human rights. It is also multi-dimensional- occurring in the home, general community,
workplaces, educational institutions, or at the hands of the State.
Violence against immigrant and refugee women in Australia can be prevented. However, the complexity of women's experiences of
violence highlights the need for culturally-appropriate strategies that address the core issue of gender equality by working
to improve the status of women. In this regard, it is equally important that violence prevention efforts address the specific
and diverse situations of women from immigrant and refugee communities, within the cultural, religious and socio-economic contexts of their lives.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards the primary prevention of violence against women. Primary prevention targets
whole populations and/or high-risk groups with the aim of preventing violence before it occurs This approach is the ideal form
of prevention-albeit the most challenging and time-consuming-as it cultivates a safe environment for women, a world where violence
against women is not an option because women are valued, respected and treated equally.
The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has prepared a comprehensive publication, On Her Way, based on extensive research
and consultation, which provides an overview of the various groups of immigrant and refugee women in Australia that should be
considered in violence prevention efforts, the nature of violence perpetrated against these women, and the factors
that may increase women's exposure to violence.
On Her Way also features violence prevention strategies that have been, and could be implemented in efforts to
prevent violence against immigrant and refugee women. Good practice principles for strategies are also highlighted.
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