White Ribbon Day - eliminating violence against women
Whilst most men are not violent, statistics show that most perpetrators of violence against women are men. White Ribbon Day, held annually on 25 November, calls on men and boys to act as role models and take action to take a stand against violence against women.
According to statistics over one third of Australian women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15. Addressing violence against women and their children is a priority for the Victorian Government and this year White Ribbon events aimed to raise a broader awareness of the issue.
On 24 November, Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services, Mary Wooldridge organised an event with the White Ribbon Foundation which brought together Members of Parliament from both sides of politics to take the oath to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
Minister Wooldridge addressed a White Ribbon Day luncheon at the Melbourne Town Hall, attended by business and community leaders who discussed different ways that they and their organisations can prevent violence against women. The Minister also spoke at the Not 1 More community event at Federation Square, where a large audience of community agencies and the public united in the message that Not 1 More woman or child should die from violence.
For information about the White Ribbon Foundation contact Georgie Hill, Senior Policy Officer, Office of Women’s Policy on 9918 7332 or email georgie.hill@dhs.vic.gov.au.
Earlier in November, the Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Community, Andrea Cootelaunched a new protocol for the Jewish community called Will my rabbi believe me?Will he understand? responding to disclosures of family violence in a rabbinic context and to assist Rabbis effectively respond to disclosures of family violence and sexual abuse.
For more information about the protocol contact the Jewish Taskforce on Family Violence on (03) 9523 6850 or email jtafv@gmail.com.
Image caption: Members of Parliament at the White Ribbon Foundation event.
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