Stand up, speak out and act.
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That is the strong message in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day, which will be recognised around the country on Saturday, November 25.
It is also recognised as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
People of Australia are being asked to take the White Ribbon oath which simply states: “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women”.
The campaign is based around the key elements of STOP.
See: Know the signs, be a witness, don’t ignore
Talk: Challenge comments, ask questions, start a conversation
Offer: Calling the police, let people know that action will be taken, get help, offer to safely intervene. Offer to listen and be open to providing support.
Prevent: Educate, change behaviour, promote respect.
This campaign helps raise funds, but more importantly awareness of the issue of domestic abuse.
The stark reality is one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence from someone known to them.
Every week, on average, one woman in this country is killed by domestic violence.
We’ve said it many times before but are happy to repeat it: violence against women is something that needs to be front of mind all year round. While White Ribbon Day is an important way to draw attention to the issue, we must repeat its message often.
We need to break the cycle that sees kids who witness domestic abuse absorb the notion that it is somehow acceptable, that boys will be boys.
Getting men to take the oath is one way of focusing attention but it is in the home, the classroom and the playground where most work needs to be done.
If we teach our children violence and disrespect towards women has no place in our community, we stand a much better chance of one day making this scourge a thing of the past.
There are a variety of services on offer you can turn to in this country for support.
Here are just some of them: Lifeline – 24/7 service lifeline.org.au 131114, Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 and the Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292.
For details of individual State and Territory services or resources please visit whiteribbon.org.au.