One domestic violent incidence every two minutes: Tasmanian Government signs nation first agreement

Premier Will Hodgman and chair of national primary prevention group, Our Watch, Natasha Stott Despoja AO signed a partnership agreement in Hobart on Monday, which includes the appointment of a primary prevention officer.

The officer will begin work next year and $380,000 has been budgeted for the position over three years.

Mr Hodgman said the officer would work across government and non-government services, and with community organisations," in the mission to end violence and to make Tasmania a safer place."

"Needless to say if you prevent family violence occurring in the first place then that's the best way to eliminate it," he said.

"There is a collective commitment across our country to address family violence. Our watch has particular skills and expertise in that very important space.

"I'm very proud that Tasmania, with the support of Our Watch, is once again nation leading in our response to eliminating family violence."

Ms Stott Despoja said that every day she was "confronted by one of the most heinous manifestations of gender inequality and that is violence against women and children".

She said international evidence showed that to stop family violence behaviours and attitudes need to be changed and that could be "generational".

"The sad news is that every week in Australia on average a woman dies violently - 45 women have been killed this year," Ms Stott Despoja said.

"So with those statistics in mind, and on domestic and family violence, we've got every two minutes police being called out - 657 times a day police are called to a domestic violent event.

"The good news is it is preventable - it's not an inherent part of our human condition but we must put resources, support and energy into tackling these behaviours and attitudes that give rise to this violence in the first place."

Ms Stott Despoja, the former Australian Democrats leader, commended Mr Hodgman for his work in the area of family violence and signing the partnership.

"This is exciting because it not only shows renewed and passionate commitment from this government but it's actually a national first and possibly a world first at this stage and shows true commitment in eliminating violence against women and children.

"That's what the Tasmanian Government is doing under the stewardship of Premier Hodgman and we thank you for everything you're doing."

Women's Legal Service Tasmania chief executive Yvette Cehtel and Engender Equality chief executive Alian Thomas both congratulated the government for the initiative.

"Family violence is at a crisis point in our communities in Tasmania and we need more action to address this," Ms Cehtel said. "We also need more men to stand up and call out abusive behaviour when they see it."

Ms Cehtel said she hoped more collaboration with the legal and community sectors would be developed with the new position.

"I also hope that the new position is 'hot desked' in the community sector so that the worker employed has a deep understanding of what we are all doing in the sector. Government and the community sector have different cultures and for this partnership to work and stay connected to the community it needs to be based out in the community sector."

Ms Thomas said she was pleased Tasmania would be part of a national framework as part of the agreement.

"It is interesting timing with White Ribbon folding and it is important we are going forward in the same direction with the one message," she said.

"We need mentors in violence prevention and one size does not fit all."

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence call the Safe at Home Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence call the Statewide Sexual Assault Support Service on 1800 MY SUPPORT (1800 697 877).

In an emergency, always call 000.