Domestic violence death review in Australia 1990-2015 : feminist activism, the state and social change

Abstract

Feminist engagement with the state demanding action against domestic violence has been cited as a major achievement of the second-wave women's movement. Studies report that countries with strong, autonomous feminist movements tend to have more comprehensive, robust policies responding to violence against women and are critical catalysts for policy development. This thesis examines the engagement of feminist advocates with the state in the campaign to establish Domestic Violence Death Review (DVDR) in the Australian states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland between 1990 and 2015, utilising the stories of 42 advocates. The diverse advocacy experiences of leading feminist frontline workers, researchers, policy and ministerial advisors, and women parliamentarians provide a rare insight into feminist advocacy and the factors that can influence policymaking. This study makes a significant contribution to the importance of feminist activism and invites policymakers to consider the policy outcomes that can be achieved through intentionally engaging and creating space to work collaboratively with feminist advocates, harnessing their knowledge and expertise in response to a complex and serious social and policy problem.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English