• Charles Sturt University academics host radio program in honour of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
• The episode delves into rural and regional challenges related to domestic violence
• The Charles Sturt Gender and Feminist Studies Network is helping educate the next generation on respectful relationships

Charles Sturt University academics are leading life-saving conversations around domestic violence to begin the annual 16 Days of Activism for 2025.

The radio program ‘Conversations for a Brave New World’ is released in monthly episodes and is produced by staff in the Charles Sturt Gender and Feminist Studies Network.

These include Senior Lecturer in Sociology in the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts Dr Donna Bridges, Associate Professor in Marketing in the School of Business Dr Clifford Lewis and Associate Professor in Paramedicine in the School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences Dr Sonja Maria.

This month’s episode is in honour of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which begins on Monday 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Dr Bridges discussed activism and prevention of domestic violence in rural and regional NSW with two experts in violence against women in the latest episode.

“It was a privilege to speak with Paula Cahill in this episode, who is a Generalist Counsellor at the Central West Women’s Health Centre in Bathurst and works extensively with women experiencing or recovering from domestic violence,” Dr Bridges said.

“We also welcomed our own Senior Lecturer in Psychology in the Charles Sturt University School of Psychology Dr Rachel Hogg, who has contributed to academic and media discourses about domestic violence reforms.”

The theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism is ‘Unite: Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’, which Dr Bridges said could be in the form of both societal and financial investment.

“Investing in the prevention of domestic violence in any sense is crucial, and while we often think of the emotional cost of these situations, there is a genuine financial cost too,” she said.

“Research shows that for every dollar spent on prevention through primary healthcare, it can save up to eight or nine dollars down the line in inevitable treatment costs.

“There is a very real personal cost and an economic cost to our country because of these issues, and whether we invest through hospitals, other healthcare avenues, education or awareness, we need to bring it into the open to have an impact.”

Episode guest Dr Hogg said regional and rural areas have a reputation for high levels of violence against women and girls – a reputation that is deserved for several reasons.

“There are different challenges that women face in rural and regional communities, one being the interconnectedness which can be a blessing and a burden,” Dr Hogg said.

“There is often a fear of stigma and shame driven by the higher frequency of community gossip.

“The perpetrators often have a reputation within the community too, and one that is well established and doesn’t coincide with them engaging in illegal or criminal behaviour, so there is this fear of not being believed.”

All of these issues and more are discussed in the full episode, which can be streamed here.

‘Conversations for a Brave New World’ brings global, national and local issues about gender and sexuality to the Central West. Each month the program features experts and scholars who converse about a diverse range of topics related to gender and sexuality.

Charles Sturt is helping educate the next generation about respectful relationships while training experts in offering support through areas such as psychology, human services and social work.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact the following services:

• 1800RESPECT (National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service): 1800 737 732
• NSW Rape Crisis Service: 1800 424 017
• Central West Women’s Health Centre: (02) 6331 4133
• Lifeline: 13 11 14