UNSW gendered violence expert appointed to MyGov Advisory Board

Congratulations to Professor Jan Breckenridge on her appointment to the Minister for Government Services’ Independent Advisory Board this week. 

The Advisory Board was set up after the myGov user audit and provides guidance, insights and recommendations on the design, delivery and implementation of government services.

Prof. Breckenridge is the head of UNSW ADA’s School of Social Sciences and Co-convener of the Gendered Violence Research Network.

Her expertise in domestic and family violence will enable to board to consider ways to address the barriers that people may face when seeking support from government services following gendered violence.

“The child support and social security systems are often used by perpetrators of gendered violence to continue their abuse, and I am looking forward to sharing ways to help the system prevent this misuse,” says Prof. Breckenridge.

Minister for Government Services, Katy Gallagher, said, “Professor Breckenridge was chosen for her extensive understanding of the policies and systems that perpetuate gendered violence and disadvantage, such as financial abuse.

"Her expertise and commitment to gender equality and women's safety will be instrumental in helping to improve government services in future.”

Claire Annesley, Dean of UNSW's Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture said, "This is a deeply significant appointment. Prof. Breckenridge's leadership and research expertise in domestic and family violence has unearthed many ways that abusers manipulate systems to continue their abuse.

“The ability to keep these on the agenda, as part of the delivery of government support, has the potential to make a very big difference to those affected by financial abuse."

You can find out more about the work of the Gendered Violence Research Network here.