Chair Announced for New Domestic and Sexual Violence Centre

Leading expert in women’s social policy, Professor Anne Edwards, has been announced as the chair of a new National Centre of Excellence established to help reduce domestic, family and sexual violence.

Federal minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins, made the announcement in Canberra and said that the Emeritus Professor and former Vice-Chancellor at Flinders University was an expert in gender and sexual studies who will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the new centre.

“Professor Edwards’ contribution to the study of violence against women has earned her great respect – in particular, her research on sexual assault cases in the criminal justice system,” Collins said.

“Professor Edwards’ experience will be invaluable as she leads the Centre in developing a national research agenda to help guide future investment, policy and services in the prevention of violence against women across Australia.”

Professor Edwards’ other former positions have included Deputy Chair of the Australian Research Council and Chair of the Research Committee at the Academy of Social Sciences of Australia.

She is a fellow at the Australian Academy of Social Sciences, the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

“I’m delighted to accept this role and look forward to shaping research into violence against women and their children,” Professor Edwards said.

“Only by understanding the extent of the problem and by drawing together national and international research, can we hope to address this issue that affects far too many in our community.”

Julie Collins said the centre will provide a central point for researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the fields of domestic, family and sexual violence to link up and provide evidence-based responses to reduce domestic, family and sexual violence.

Based in Sydney, Collins said that the centre is the result of extensive consultations with the sector and begins operations this year.