25 November is White Ribbon Day, a day aimed at preventing men’s violence against women. Intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence against women, affecting 30 per cent of women worldwide.
Why do we have White Ribbon Day?
In Australia, violence against women is a serious problem, meaning:
- Over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week as a result of intimate partner violence
- A woman is most likely to be killed by her male partner in her home
- Domestic and family violence is the principle cause of homelessness for women and their children
- Intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and ill-health in Australian women aged 15-44
- One in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them
- One in four children are exposed to domestic violence, which is a recognised form of child abuse
- The cost of violence against women to the Australian economy is estimated to rise to $15.6 billion per annum
- One in five women experience harassment within the workplace
- One in five women over 18 has been stalked during her lifetime
For violence against women to stop, we need to create gender equality
It is up to all of us, women and men to take action to prevent domestic violence and to build a culture of equality and respect in our homes and in our public places, including our work places. Does your workplace offer domestic violence leave, for those suffering the effects of domestic violence? Do you have workplace programs to promote inclusion, diversity and women in leadership?
We need all men and women in Australia to stand up, take action and commit to achieving gender equality, and an end to violence against women. It is unacceptable that in our country one woman a week is killed by an intimate partner, the person she should most be able to trust.
If you do not personally commit and take a stand against violence, gender inequality, jokes that degrade or humiliate women, then you are culpable and complicit. Staying silent is effectively condoning this type of behaviour. Speak up, speak out and make our country safe for women.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and need help or support
Please contact one of the National or State based support services that can assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
