Change the story: A shared framework for the primary prevention of violence against women in Australia

Abstract

This report presents the second edition of Change the Story, a national framework developed by Our Watch to guide the primary prevention of violence against women in Australia. Building upon the first edition released in 2015, this updated framework integrates new research, strengthens intersectional analysis, and outlines essential actions for preventing gender-based violence at a systemic level. The framework highlights the structural and cultural drivers of violence, the role of gender inequality, and the reinforcing factors that sustain violence against women. It provides evidence-based strategies to change social norms, policies, and institutional structures that enable violence, and advocates for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach at the national, state, and local levels. The framework also outlines the responsibilities of government, non-government organisations, and communities in sustaining long-term prevention efforts.