The Criminalisation Of Coercive Control
We've been closely following the fight for coercive control legislation in Australia over the past few years (if you need a refresher, you can read about it here) and in recent months, there have been positive developments in the process.
In late November 2020, Abigail Boyd, Greens NSW MP and Spokesperson for Domestic Violence & Abuse, presented her Bill to Parliament in an effort to finally create legislation criminalising coercive control in NSW (currently coercive control legislation only exits in Tasmania, no other states or territories in Australia).
England and Wales were the first countries to introduce pivotal legislation to criminalise acts of coercive control back in 2015, followed by Ireland and Scotland in 2018—putting further pressure on Australia to update its laws.
This latest development locally is a step we're all thankful for after the tragic deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children in February at the hands of Hannah’s husband, who had controlled every aspect of her life. Her parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke have talked openly about their daughter’s relationship, recognising the signs of coercive control and the courage Hannah showed in her final moments.
While fighting for coercive control legislation in Australia has proven to be arduous, progress is on the horizon, and we can all play a part in keeping up the conversation. As well as educating yourself, keep your family and friends in the loop and send them links with relevant information in order to spread awareness.
Financial Independence
The fluctuating economy we saw in 2020 was the wake-up call we all needed, and proof that financial security should never be taken for granted.
If you haven’t made checks to determine whether you’re financially independent, you could be doing your future self a disservice.
Some major companies—especially ones that deal with our finances—place an emphasis on explaining financial independence. It’s important to seek out companies that not only highlight the importance of financial independence, but aim to pass that knowledge on to a new generation of women.
Stella Insurance is a company that prides itself on providing more than just car insurance. Both the brand, and its products, is designed with what women want in mind using research from their customers (women!) to tailor its policies to suit. That means benefits such as up to $2,000 for baby gear that is damaged in or stolen from your car, and up to $1,000 for certain personal belongings, like a handbag, that are stolen with your car or damaged in an accident.*
Beyond this, Stella has created a community (@stellainsurance) to educate, empower and support women across a range of areas, including financial savviness, to help change the status quo for women in Australia.
Income Inequality
The gender pay gap may be shrinking, but there's no glossing over the fact that it still exists. You probably don't need reminding that the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency estimates that Australia’s gender pay gap sits at 14 per cent—a disparity that hardly gets enough of a look-in.
Alarming as the gap may be, there are things we can do to address gender pay disparities in our own spheres. Many people are afraid of confronting their bosses, but rallying together support in our workplaces is a great way to stand for change.
If you were shocked by the statistics of the gender pay gap, you can bet that others will be shocked too. We can all play a part in spreading awareness so others can take steps to combating the gender pay gap in their own workplaces. Together we can instigate and demand changes be made. It all starts with a conversation.
Causes We Care About
Throughout 2020, you no doubt noticed your social media feeds shift from shallow, promotional posting to much more socially-conscious content. Chances are, your own social media posting habits changed too.
From furthering our activism and allyship since the start of the Black Lives Matter movement to giving voices back to sexual assault survivors in Victoria, social media's role appears to be shifting greatly, becoming a platform for evoking change and sparking difficult conversations.
If you spend less time on social media, there are other ways to demand change or play your part in creating it. Start by donating money to causes you care about, signing petitions, and continuing to have uncomfortable (albeit very necessary) discussions with your friends and family.
If we’ve learned anything throughout a year of demanding change, it’s that a difference can be made when people come together—so don't be afraid to sound like a schoolteacher when you have to.
Brought to you by Stella. Car insurance for women, by women.
*Policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. Any advice provided is general advice and does not take your personal circumstances into consideration. Please read the Stella product disclosure statement (PDS) available at stellainsurance.com.au, for the terms, conditions, and exclusions before purchasing this insurance. Stella Underwriting (ABN 72 633 811 319) is an Authorised Representative (AR 001282046) of Allstate Insurance Pty Ltd (AFSL 239010) which is acting under an agreement on behalf of the product issuer, QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (AFSL 239545).
