This Friday November 23, thousands of people are expected to take part in community-led actions in response to the scourge of family violence that’s ever-present in our society.
This day of awareness about family violence comes at a time when statistics reveal an uncomfortable and challenging reality.
Police forces across Australia respond to more than 5000 incidents of family violence every week. That equates to 2 calls every two minutes. And, this year alone 60 women have died at the hands of a partner, a husband or friend.
According to Peter Opio, Executive Manager of the Ambassadors and Advocates Program for White Ribbon Australia, what these numbers don’t show is that the victim is somebody’s partner, somebody’s friend, somebody’s colleague, somebody’s mother.
Family violence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people impacts on the health and social outcomes of women and children at a much greater scale. Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-indigenous women.
“It is really quiet distressing to see that in Australia not only is there one woman or kid killed at the hands of partner violence; that is totally unacceptable. It is quiet distressing to see these statistics in a country like Australia", Mr Opio says.
White Ribbon Day is a day to bring together people from all walks of life to have a conversation about family violence and ways to curb this scourge.
"Women seeking support for partner violence are most likely to ask friends or family for help."
It is important for the entire community to get involved as research has also demonstrated that women seeking support for partner violence are most likely to ask friends or family for help.
Research also reveals that 94% of employees agree that employers should take a leadership role in educating their workforce about respectful relationships between men and women.
“We need everyone to play their part and be part of the journey because no one organisation or group can do it alone,"Mr Opio says.
The White Ribbon ambassador adds that action can take many shapes like educating young children to be respectful from an early age or cultivating for a workplace that is free from harassment as well as bullying and violence against women.
This White Ribbon Day, thousands of people across Australia will stand up, speak out as well as show support by participating in marches, barbecues, lunches and talks in a effort to galvanise the community to do more to prevent family violence.
Campaigns against family violence are spearheaded by outstanding ambassadors like AFL legend Adam Goodes, Minister Ken Wyatt, Adrian Geary of QPS, Craig Rigney and many more who.
This Friday, White Ribbon ambassadors will go out of their way to raise awareness and lead discussions about how to prevent it family violence around the country.
Adelaide has consistently held the biggest White Ribbon event in the country. This Friday another record-breaking White Ribbon breakfast will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre attracting more than 1400 people.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for advice or support. This free service providing confidential advice is open 24/7.
In an emergency, call the police on 000. All incidents of violence should be reported to the police.
For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
If you are in danger, please call the Police - 000