Men and boys must be involved in discussions if Australia is to address the "scourge" of violence against women, Anthony Albanese says, adding his voice to growing calls for men to step up and stamp out the abuse.
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Australians have witnessed a spate of violent attacks from the April 13 Bondi Junction stabbing that left five women dead, to countless domestic violence incidents.
Most recently, 29-year-old Daniel Billings allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend Molly Ticehurst while out on bail for intimidation and animal cruelty charges.
The 28-year-old's body was found on a property in central west NSW on Monday and Billings has since been charged with domestic violence-related murder and breaching a restriction in an apprehended violence order.
The prime minister called the incident a "horrific story" and acknowledged that both the government and Australian society needed to do more.
"We all have a responsibility to do what we can to address what is a scourge of violence against women," Mr Albanese told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Men and boys have to clearly have discussions about these issues. There is a need to show respect to women.
"It is obviously completely unacceptable that this is occurring and that it's so prevalent".
He noted a need to increase funding for domestic violence resources and update laws as well.
In Australia, more than one woman every week dies at the hands of a partner or former partner.
More than 25 women have already died in incidents of violence against women in 2024.
On Friday, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said men need to "step up" and address the problem, echoing remarks by family violence prevention advocate Rosie Batty earlier in April.
"It's our responsibility to educate ourselves, our sons, our colleagues and our friends," he said.
The issue of femicide has returned to the spotlight after 64 people were recorded to have been killed in incidents of violence against women in 2023, according to Counting Dead Women Australia.
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