Australia has released a new report detailing an action framework to end violence against women in the Solomon Islands.
The report was released today by Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith and the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek.The report is in response to another report produced by the AusAID Office of Development Effectiveness.
The AusAID report - launched in Honiara earlier this year - had found violence against women in Melanesia and East Timor is severe, pervasive and constrains development.
The report says violence causes trauma to women and their families and communities.
It also says that violence severely limits women's social, political and economic participation in their communities and puts significant strain on national economies.
Australia says it is using this research to inform its future work to address violence against women.
The framework for action and the strategies included in the new report are based on the findings of consultations in Solomon Islands.
Australian High Commission in Honiara says the framework will support Solomon Islands to stop violence by improving access to justice through work such as strengthening laws and policies and enhancing women's knowledge of their rights.
It will also help to increase women's access to support services, work such as supporting community awareness and advocacy, education and promotion of women's leadership and empowerment, as well as supporting an integrated approach by engaging with partners, stakeholders and helping provide for research to inform responses to violence.
The framework for action to stop violence will build on the work of Australia, Solomon Islands Government, international development agencies and community groups in Solomon Islands.
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