CEVAW Conversations

ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)
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CEVAW Conversations brings you inside the research working to eliminate violence against women. Hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), this podcast translates cutting-edge research into accessible conversations with experts from across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Each episode explores the complex factors that contribute to violence against women and examines evidence-based approaches to prevention, response, and recovery.

Episodes

  1. From the Ground Up: Community-led Approaches to Violence Prevention

    FEB 3

    From the Ground Up: Community-led Approaches to Violence Prevention

    Who leads violence prevention work, and how?‘Community-led’ has become a buzzword, but what does it actually mean in practice? In this episode, we explore three distinct models of community-driven prevention work, each operating at a different scale but sharing core principles. Dixie Link-Gordon brings 38 years of experience working in the Redfern Aboriginal community, where prevention happens in face-to-face conversations, built on trust and connection. Dr Zoe Bell shares how the Australian Rohingya Women's Development Organisation creates protective factors and resistance within displacement, statelessness, and temporary protection. And Dr Jenny Anderson explains the Respect Ballarat saturation model – a government-funded initiative attempting to coordinate prevention activities across an entire city of 120,000 people whilst genuinely partnering with community. From yarns on the street to women-only safe spaces to city-wide coordination, these three guests reveal what community ownership actually requires: time, trust, meeting people where they're at, and understanding that communities can only do so much when operating within structural constraints. The principles hold across every scale: communities define the need, shape the solution, and own the work. Our job is to support that, not replace it.   Guests: Dixie Link-Gordon, Aunty-in-residence, Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC) Dr Zoe Bell, CEVAW Research Fellow, ANUDr Jenny Anderson, Respect Victoria Support Services: Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisissupport line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212 Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491Find international helpNational Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015 Further reading: Respect BallaratReducing and preventing violence against women: global evidence review | Respect VictoriaBreaking Silent Codes Hey Sis Full Stop Australia Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC) Australian Rohingya Women's Development OrganisationCanterbury City Community Centre | 4CsHOME | Jannawi Family Centre Meeras Pavilion:  Meeras Pavilion | Médecins Sans Frontières Australia | Doctors Without BordersMeeras Pavilion – Creative Advocacy PartnershipThe Taro Leaf Symbol – Creative Advocacy PartnershipAtallah, D. G. 2017. A Community-Based Qualitative Study of Intergenerational Resilience with Palestinian Refugee Families Facing Structural Violence and Historical Trauma. Transcultural psychiatry, vol. 54, no. 3, p. 357-383.Warria, A. & Chikadzi, V. 2022. Statelessness, Trauma and Mental Well-Being: Implication for Practice, Research and Advocacy. African Human Mobility Review, vol. 8, no. 3, p. 41-55. James, K. 2010. Domestic Violence within Refugee Families: Intersecting Patriarchal Culture and the Refugee Experience. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, vol. 31, no. 3, p. 275-284.Fisher, C. 2013. Changed and Changing Gender and Family Roles and Domestic Violence in African Refugee Background Communities Post-Settlement in Perth,Australia. Violence Against Women, vol. 19, no. 7, p. 833-847. Banerjee, P., Chacko, S. & Piya, B. 2020. Paradoxes of Being and Becoming South Asian Single Mothers: The Enclave Economy, Patriarchy, and Migration. Women, gender, and families of color, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 5-39 Sultana, A. 2010. Patriarchy and Women S Subordination: A Theoretical Analysis. Arts Faculty Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, p. 1-18

    56 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    Hidden Tactics of Domestic Violence: Substance Use Coercion

    In this episode we sit down with researchers and practitioners to explore the complex intersection of substance use, coercion, and family violence. Monique Yeoman from Kids First Australia and Emma Shaw from Odyssey Victoria join us alongside academics Professor Cathy Humphreys and Van Callaly from the University of Melbourne and CEVAW to unpack how alcohol and other drugs can be weaponised as tools of control in abusive relationships. The conversation moves beyond traditional understandings of substance abuse to examine how alcohol and drugs become instruments of coercive control - used by perpetrators to extend abuse and violence. Through real-world examples from clinical practice, the panel illustrates what substance use coercion looks like in families' everyday lives and why it presents unique challenges for practitioners working to keep children and families safe. This episode offers crucial insights for anyone working in child and family services, domestic violence support, or substance use treatment, highlighting the importance of recognising these patterns and responding with informed, trauma-sensitive approaches. To hear more from these guests about this topic, please watch the WorkUP SPARK webinar, Strengthening Queensland’s Response to Substance Use Coercion: https://workupqld.org.au/resource-hub-develop-the-workforce/#workshop-videos Guests Monique Yeoman, General Manager, Child Youth and Family Services, Kids First Australia Emma Shaw, Clinical Manager Child, Youth and Families, Odyssey Victoria Professor Cathy Humphreys, CEVAW Chief Investigator, The University of MelbourneVan Callaly, CEVAW Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Support services Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212 Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491 Find international helpNational Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015 Further reading Mayshak, R., Curtis, A., Coomber, K., Tonner, L., Walker, A., Hyder, S., Liknaitzky, P., & Miller, P. (2022). Alcohol-Involved Family and Domestic Violence Reported to Police in Australia. Journal of interpersonal violence, 37(3-4), NP1658–NP1685. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520928633 KODY Caring Dads - https://www.kidsfirstaustralia.org.au/program/the-kody-project/Respectful Relationships and the Caring Dads Program - https://odyssey.org.au/respectful-relationships-and-the-caring-dads-program/

    52 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Dismantling Patriarchy in the Pews: A 20-Year Study on Faith and Violence

    Content note: This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. What does it take for an institution to honestly examine how it responds to gender-based violence? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research commissioned by the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide – a rare longitudinal study comparing clergy and church workers' responses to disclosures of abuse across 20 years. Siân Human speaks with: Professor Sarah Wendt, Professor of Social Work, University of MelbourneDr Josephine Clarke, Research Fellow, University of MelbourneReverend Canon Dr Joan Riley, Principal of Saint Barnabas College, Anglican Diocese of AdelaideSharon Lockwood, Survivors’ Advocate, Anglican Diocese of Adelaide Together, they discuss what the research revealed: significant improvements in responding to child abuse, but persistent gaps in addressing adult sexual assault and domestic violence. The conversation explores the unique strengths of pastoral care, the challenges of addressing gender inequality in religious contexts, and the cultural transformation needed to truly support survivors. From the misuse of scripture to keep women in violent relationships, to the ‘Ten Commitments’ making domestic violence prevention and response visible in churches – this episode doesn't shy away from difficult truths. But it's ultimately a story of courage, partnership, and the possibility of change. Topics covered: Longitudinal research methodology and partnership with faith communitiesThe role of pastoral care in addressing self-blame and spiritual harmGender inequality as inseparable from violence preventionTraining gaps and implementation challengesDismantling patriarchal structures in religious institutionsMeasuring progress and planning for the future The researchers are now exploring faith-based pastoral care practices through the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), continuing this vital work across different faith contexts. Support services: Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to lifeKids Helpline 1800 55 18001800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212 Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491 Find international help Further reading: Main report discussed in episode: Wendt, S., & Clarke, J. (2024). A study into the experiences of clergy and church workers in the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide when responding to abuse of children, sexual assault of adults, and domestic and family violence. Final report June 2024. University of Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.26188/26316742 The 2005 Morrison Report can be found here (scroll down) https://adelaideanglicans.com/reports/ Other related research: 'Religion and domestic violence: Exploring men’s perpetration. Report on research findings for the Lutheran Church of Australia.' https://doi.org/10.25957/x33r-ev14Wendt, S., Clarke, J., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring Christian Lutheran theological framings that shape men’s perpetration of domestic violence through pastor perspectives. Journal of Gender Studies, 34(7), 928–941. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2024.2377635Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring the Theological Context to Domestic and Family Violence. Violence Against Women, 10778012241254849. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241254849Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2025). Theological arguments framing violence against women: Context, cause and the gendered impacts of scriptural priorities. Women's Studies International Forum, 111, 103102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2025.103102

    41 min

  4. 10/20/2025

    When the waters rise - How climate change fuels violence against women

    Summary Climate change isn't just an environmental crisis – it'sa women's rights crisis. From Australia's devastating floods to Pacific Island relocations, climate disasters are driving alarming increases in gender-based violence worldwide. In this eye-opening episode, three leading experts explore the intersection of climate change and violence against women. CEVAW researcher Celeste Harris shares compelling evidence from a systematic review of 27 studies, with almost 90% finding increase. Dr Betty Barkha reveals how climate displacement isforcing Pacific communities from their ancestral lands. And Michelle Higelin from ActionAid Australia showcases powerful community-led solutions that are protecting women and transforming disaster response. Discover why women in displacement camps face heightened violence risks, how loss of land threatens Indigenous identity, and what actually works to keep women safe during climate emergencies. This episode challenges us to see climate action and gender justice as inseparable – and shows how local women's leadership is driving the change we desperately need. Guests Celeste Harris, CEVAW Research Fellow, Griffith UniversityMichelle Higelin, Executive Director, ActionAidDr Betty Barkha, Pacific Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Technical Advisor, Save the Children AustraliaDomestic violence support services Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212 Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491 Find international help Further reading Boddy, J., Harris, C., O’Leary, P., Hohenhaus, M., Bond, C., Panagiotaros, C., & Holdsworth, L. (2024). Intersections of Intimate Partner Violence and Natural Disasters: A Systematic Review of the Quantitative Evidence. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(4), 3131-3148. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241249145Thurston, A. M., Stöckl, H., & Ranganathan, M. (2021). Natural hazards, disasters and violence against women and girls: a global mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ global health, 6(4), e004377. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004377Parkinson, D., & Zara, C. (2013). The hidden disaster: domestic violence in the aftermath of natural disaster. Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 28(2), 28-35.Barkha, Betty (2023). Cascading Tides, Invading Lives: Gender and Climate Change-Induced Displacement and Planned Relocation in Fiji. Monash University. Thesis. https://doi.org/10.26180/22818176.v1Pacific Regional Framework on Climate MobilityCorporate climate accountabilityGuardian article- Just 57 companies linked to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions since 2016ActionAid Gender Responsive Alternatives to Climate Change

    50 min

  5. 09/22/2025

    Does criminalisation prevent violence against women?

    In this episode of CEVAW Conversations, we explore a complex and timely question: does criminalising violence against women actually make women safer? Professors Heather Douglas, Julia Tolmie and Kyllie Cripps bring legal expertise, research insights and lived experience to unpack the limits of the current justice system – and what we should be asking instead. We discuss the symbolic power of the law, the risks of relying on punitive responses, and the urgent need for alternatives to incarceration that centre prevention, accountability and survivor safety. From restorative approaches tocommunity-driven solutions, this conversation challenges one-size-fits-all thinking and asks what real justice could look like. If you're interested in meaningful reform, survivor safety, system transformation and evidence-based alternatives to punishment, this conversation is for you.   Guests: Professor Heather Douglas, The Universityof Melbourne; Professor Julia Tolmie, University ofAuckland; Professor Kyllie Cripps, Monash University; Joan and Sarah Domestic violence support services: Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisis support linefor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesRainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491Find international help Legal resources Get legal help for your situation https://justiceconnect.org.au/ Victoria Legal Aid includes resources on courts and the legal system, domestic and family abuse, police powers and intervention ordersCoercive control and the law in NSWFamily violence laws in Aotearoa New Zealand Further reading Ballarat community saturation model, Respect VictoriaMaranguka Justice Reinvestment, BourkeProject Mirabal, UKSharman, L. Douglas, H. and Fitzgerald, R. (2024) A Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Increasing Criminalization on Domestic Violence Support Workers: Nonfatal Strangulation as a Case Study, Violence againstwomen. doi: 10.1177/10778012241289422.Barlow, C. and Walklate, S. (2025) Learning Lessons from the Criminalisation of Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Ten Years On: The Implementation Journey in England and Wales, International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy. doi: 10.5204/ijcjsd.3700.Tolmie, J. (2018) Considering Victim Safety When Sentencing Intimate Partner Violence Offenders. In K. Fitz-Gibbon, S. Walklate, J. McCulloch, and J. Maher (Eds.), Intimate Partner Violence, Risk and Security: Securing Women's Lives (pp. 169-188). Routledge.

    46 min

  6. TRAILER

    Coming soon - CEVAW Conversations: A podcast by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)

    CEVAW Conversations brings you inside the research working to eliminate violence against women. Hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), this podcast translates cutting-edge research into accessible conversations with experts from across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Each episode explores the complex factors that contribute to violence against women and examines evidence-based approaches to prevention, response, and recovery. From technology-facilitated abuse and Indigenous women's experiences to the systems that enable violence and community-based approaches to prevention, we examine the complex challenges and innovative responses shaping this critical field. Join researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders as they share insights from interdisciplinary collaborations spanning economic, health, legal, and political systems. Whether you're working in this space or seeking to understand these vital issues, CEVAW Conversations offers the research-backed perspectives needed to drive real change. Our first episode will be released on Tuesday 23 September. Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with the latest episode releases. This podcast is developed by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Project number CE230100004) and funded by the Australian Government.

    2 min

Trailer

About

CEVAW Conversations brings you inside the research working to eliminate violence against women. Hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), this podcast translates cutting-edge research into accessible conversations with experts from across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Each episode explores the complex factors that contribute to violence against women and examines evidence-based approaches to prevention, response, and recovery.

Information

  • Creator
    ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)
  • Show Website
    CEVAW Conversations