Report calls for National Family Safety Commissioner

By Jana Eskinja

A Canberra man whose niece was attacked and killed by her partner says domestic violence is a national disgrace.

Michael Costigan left his international business behind to help reduce the number of deaths from domestic violence after his niece Tara died last year.

The CEO of the Tara Costigan Foundation handed a report into family and domestic violence to the Prime Minister and the Federal Opposition Leader in April .

The report calls for a National Commission for Family Inclusion and Safety. It states a lack of coordination within the support sector “is the most critical flaw in effectively reducing and eventually eliminating family and domestic violence”.

It follows a two-day National Family Violence Summit in March which was attended by support groups, victims, survivor advocates and academics.

Keynote speaker and Victimologist Dr Ann O’Neill said a Commissioner for family safety would be the best outcome with a budget that’s longer than an election cycle.

“We need a combined government, business, community approach to funding what is desperately needed,” Dr O’Neill said.

More than 30 women have died because of family or domestic violence in Australia so far this year.

Dr O’Neill believes a coordinated approach would better protect victims and help educate the community about how to talk about family violence.

An education program has been recommended for schools, starting as early as possible. The program would focus on shifting language from ‘family violence’ to ‘family safety’.

Adult focused education has also been recommended in workplaces and crisis organisations to break down negative notions of masculinity and control during separation.

Mr Costigan told supporters at a walk in Canberra to remember his niece that reducing the number of deaths from domestic violence is his life’s work.