In the past week, at least seven women have been killed in Australia, allegedly by men. These deaths have occurred in different contexts – across state borders, communities and relationships. But are united by one truth: they are part of the ongoing national crisis of men’s violence against women and children.

While in the first four weeks of the election campaign there was silence from the major parties on this issue, now – with one week to go – both have released their commitments.

The Coalition announced its plan last night, following Labor’s promises earlier in the week.

Neither represent a commitment to ending gender-based violence. They both propose a patchwork of largely reactive initiatives. These will fail to deliver holistic reform to prevent violence and to intervene early enough to meaningfully reduce it.

Labor’s “commitment to women” announcement focuses on addressing financial abuse, a “fast growing and insidious form” of abuse. Key strategies proposed include:

preventing perpetrators from using tax and corporate systems to accrue debts as a form of coercive control

making perpetrators liable for debts incurred by the victim-survivor because of coercive control

and exploring options to stop perpetrators accessing the superannuation of victim-survivors after death.

Labor has also pledged $8.6 million for perpetrator responses, including early interventions for young people.

The Coalition’s approach is much more scatter gun, providing a list of disconnected strategies. It outlines 14 commitments.

The announcement promises to improve support by expanding the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program and the

© The Conversation