Today, we begin 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and culminating on 10 December with Human Rights Day.
But the responsibility and effort to end violence against women never ceases – and rests with all of us.
While domestic and family violence affects everyone, we know that women are disproportionately impacted.
Violence and abuse against women exists in many forms including physical, emotional, financial. And the sharing of non-consensual intimate images is becoming more prevalent.
This is a national scourge, a national crisis and a national shame – the status quo is unacceptable.
Preventing violence against women requires fundamental cultural and attitudinal change through awareness and education of both young and old.
Government and business; communities and individuals – everyone has a role to play – and men are an integral part of the solution.
The Government can and must make it easier for women to escape violent and abusive relationships.
It can improve access to the social security system.
It can provide more safe places for women and their children to stay.
It can ensure our national employment standards provide the flexibility and support for women to leave violent relationships, including a commitment to paid domestic violence leave.
It is encouraging to note that last week’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency scorecard showed more employers were enacting policies and strategies on family and domestic violence.
Everyone in the community has a role to play in the prevention of family violence – this is everyone’s business.
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