White Ribbon Day 2016

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I could ask if you know a woman who is affected by domestic violence but instead let me say that whether you know it or not, you do know someone.

According to information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them. That means that it is extremely likely that there are women in your family, among your friends, and in your workplace who have experienced domestic violence. How can this be happening in Australia?

25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women also known as White Ribbon Day.

This year, we’re acknowledging the fact that men’s violence against women is everyone’s issue. Get involved and spread the word today.

In the very place where women should be able to feel safe, their own homes, many are at the highest risk.

When you look across an entire year you’ll see that on average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner in Australia. One in four young Australians are exposed to domestic violence. In such an amazing country, how have we allowed this to happen? Are we prepared to let this continue?

You might feel that domestic violence is someone else’s problem but with it having such a dramatic effect across our nation, it’s everyone’s problem. White Ribbon Australia calling on men, women, workplaces, young people and the whole community to uncover secrets and help stop men’s violence against women.

So, how do you know if someone you know or love if experiencing domestic violence?

Most violence against women happens in the home and other private places, so you probably won’t see it happening. Here are signs that a woman is experiencing violence and abuse:

• She often mentions that her partner is ‘jealous’ or has a ‘bad temper’.

• She is afraid of her partner and tries hard to please him.

• Her partner criticises and humiliates her in public.

• She has become increasingly anxious or depressed, has lost confidence or is unusually quiet.

• She has physical injuries (for example bruises, cuts and sprains) and gives unlikely explanations for these injuries.

• She tells you that her partner pressures or forces her to perform sexual acts.

• Her partner makes all the decisions, for example he controls the finances and tells her who she can and can’t see.

• Her children seem frightened of her partner, have behavioural issues or are withdrawn and anxious.

• She doesn’t want to leave her children alone with her partner.

• If she has left the relationship, her ex-partner calls or emails her constantly, follows her, comes to her house uninvited or waits for her at work.

I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women.

Take the oath to stand up, speak out and act to prevent domestic violence. If you’re still wondering what you can do about it, spend a bit of time checking out the White Ribbon website. While you’re there, I hope you’ll also throw in a few dollars to help the White Ribbon cause.

This violence must stop. You must be part of the solution.



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Stopping the Violence in Our Homes

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There is so much on our news today that could make us wonder if it’s safe to even walk out of our front doors, but for many, they’re not even safe in their own homes. How can this be happening in Australia?

When you look across an entire year you’ll see that on average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner in Australia. One in four young Australians are exposed to domestic violence. In such an amazing country, how have we allowed this to happen? Are we prepared to let this continue?

You might feel that domestic violence is someone else’s problem but with it having such a dramatic effect across our nation, it’s everyone’s problem. White Ribbon Australia calling on men, women, workplaces, young people and the whole community to uncover secrets and help stop men’s violence against women.

White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male led Campaign to end men’s violence against women.

Vision
All women live in safety free from all forms of men’s violence.

Mission
Making women’s safety a man’s issue too.

The campaign works through primary prevention initiatives involving awareness raising and education, and programs with youth, schools, workplaces and across the broader community.

Today is White Ribbon Day. We all need to make this our issue. Take a few minutes to watch the video below.

I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women.

Now that you’ve watched the video, take the oath to stand up, speak out and act to prevent domestic violence. If you’re still wondering what you can do about it, spend a bit of time checking out the White Ribbon website. While you’re there, I hope you’ll also throw in a few dollars to help the White Ribbon cause.

This violence must stop. You must be part of the solution.



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Hey Mate!

Every week at least one Australian woman dies from domestic violence. There is something very, very wrong in our community when men still think it’s OK to harm women.

Violence against women is never acceptable.

White Ribbon, Australia’s campaign to stop violence against women, is getting ready for White Ribbon Day on Sunday the 25th of November. They’ve launched a new campaign that not only calls on us not to commit violence but to challenge it. Staying silent only lets violence against women continue.

Here’s just one of the short videos that are being used to get the message out.

If you want to play your part to stand up to violence against women you can help share the campaign. You can also find out more about safely challenging violent behaviour.

You can let the world know where you stand on violence against women by swearing an oath.



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I Swear

I consider it my responsibility to swear today.

Men across Australia are being asked to swear an oath that commits them to never commit or excuse violence against women. The My Oath website has full details on why we should swear and lets men take part in the campaign.

The campaign has the support of high profile men such as Keith Urban, Wil Anderson, David Koch, Adam Goodes, Shannon Noll, Gerry Harvey, Joe Hockey, Rove, Dicko, and many others.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has labelled violence against women the most prevalent violation of human rights on the planet. And Australia is far from immune. Currently, one in three Australian women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Every single one of us knows a women who has suffered its effects, whether we know it or not. These women are our mothers, daughters, our wives, our girlfriends, colleagues and friends. By supporting this campaign you are helping to ensure that Australia becomes a safer place for all women, and their children.

Today is also White Ribbon Day, and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Australian men are urged to visit the My Oath website and follow the links to swear the following:

I swear:
never to commit violence against women,
never to excuse violence against women, and
never to remain silent about violence against women.
This is my oath.

Violence against women is never acceptable. Please swear today.



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Real men swear

Today, in Australia, it is National Swear Day. I consider it my responsibility to swear today.

Men across Australia are being asked to swear an oath that commits them to never commit or excuse violence against women. The My Oath website has full details on why we should swear and lets men take part in the campaign.

National Swear Day has the support of high profile men such as Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Lt Gen Ken Gillespie, Hazem El Masri, Rove, Keith Urban, Wil Anderson, David Koch, Adam Goodes, Shannon Noll, Jason Culina, Dicko, and many others.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has labelled violence against women the most prevalent violation of human rights on the planet. And Australia is far from immune. Currently, one in three Australian women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Every single one of us knows a women who has suffered its effects, whether we know it or not. These women are our mothers, daughters, our wives, our girlfriends, colleagues and friends. By supporting this campaign you are helping to ensure that Australia becomes a safer place for all women, and their children.

The day is part of the White Ribbon Campaign. Today is also White Ribbon Day, and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Australian men are urged to visit the My Oath website and follow the links to swear the following:

I swear:
never to commit violence against women,
never to excuse violence against women, and
never to remain silent about violence against women.
This is my oath.

Violence against women is never acceptable. Please swear today.



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