It was so exciting to have Stephen Page (CEO and Ambassador of White Ribbon) guest speak at the Blonde Roots Book Launch.
I want to share with you a little more information about White Ribbon, and how we can help this amazing organisation spread the awareness around domestic violence.
The online auction held at my book launch last week was a wonderful way to raise necessary funds to help get the word out to more people. Domestic Violence will not be accepted. Please read the following so that you might be able to help someone you might know who is affected by DV.
What Is White Ribbon?
White Ribbon is an organisation that works to prevent male violence against women. It is a male-led campaign that believes that most men are good and that good men abhor such violence. White Ribbon also believes in the capacity of the individual to change and to encourage change in others.
Through primary prevention initiatives and an annual campaign, White Ribbon seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate violence against women.
Why Is The Work Of White Ribbon Important?
Violence against women is a grave problem in Australian society. One woman is killed every week by a current or former partner. One in three women over the age of 15 report physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives. And domestic and family violence is the major cause of homelessness for women and their children, and a recognised form of child abuse.
Violence against women also places a massive financial burden on the nation. In the 2009 Time For Action Report, KPMG estimated that violence against women and their children cost the Australian economy $13.6 billion annually. This number is expected to rise to $15.6 billion within the decade.
White Ribbon works to stop this insidious violence.
Why Engage Men In White Ribbon
The violence perpetrated by men against women must stop – and it’s up to men to stop it. It is up to men to speak up and step in when they witness violence against women, and it is up to men to condemn the indefensible actions of the few and assert the will of the many.
But above all, White Ribbon must engage men because the victims are not merely statistics in a report, they are their wives, sisters, mothers, daughters and friends. Good men cannot and will not sit on the sidelines while those they love are at risk of harm.
