Sexual Violence Against Women in the Australian Parliament

Abstract

Sexual violence against women is still a big problem in the Australian Parliament. Women in the Australian Parliament have received a lot of empowerment and gender equality, but this has not made women in the Australian Parliament free from sexual violence. Based on the report of the Commissioner for Sex Discrimination, Kate Jenkins, in 2021 stated that 1 in 3 people who work in Parliament have experienced sexual violence in the form of sexual harassment while working there. Sexual violence not only happened to low-position MPs but even happened to a Prime Minister. Even rape cases in the Australian Parliament building were carried out by ministry staff. It is ironic because Parliament is a place where laws are approved and a symbol of law supremacy. This study aims to find answers to the causes of sexual violence against women in the Australian Parliament. This study uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques in the form of literature studies. Based on radical feminism theory, the research results show that Patriarchy is the cause of sexual violence against women in the Australian Parliament. Patriarchy in the Australian Parliament is shown through the sexist actions of members of Parliament.