Jessica Yaldwyn

So, what do we mean by gender-based violence? It is an umbrella term that includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as harassment, coercion, and femicide. It is violence rooted in inequality, and it devastates lives every single day.

The statistics are sobering. Around 2 in 5 women in Australia, which is 39% have experienced violence since the age of 15. The burden is not shared equally: First Nations women, women with disabilities, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected and Behind every statistic is a survivor’s story. Stories of resilience, but also of trauma that should never have been endured. These voices remind us that this crisis is not abstract; it is lived, day in and day out, by millions not only in Australia but across the world.

But if we want to change these numbers, we must start with education. Young teenagers are at a critical stage of learning about respect, relationships, and equality. By teaching them early—about consent, about healthy communication, about challenging harmful stereotypes—we can break cycles of violence before they begin. Education is not just prevention; it is empowerment even if you can't donate the best first step is awareness, to talk with family and friends.