MORE than 200 Ballarat people have formally pledged an oath to stop violence against women.
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According to figures from the White Ribbon Australia, 202 people from this area signed an online oath as part of this year’s White Ribbon campaign.
That represents a 16 per cent increase from last year on the number of pledges from Ballarat.
White Ribbon Australia chief executive officer Libby Davies believes a concerted effort by the organisation, media, police and welfare and service groups was helping to educate the community about family violence issues.
“The media’s ability to inform, educate and influence its audience plays a vital role in the elimination of violence against women – locally, nationally and globally,” Ms Davies said.
“The ability of the media to raise awareness and empower individuals and communities to take action means it has the power to drive positive social change.
“Over the past six months The Courier’s work in this space has been exemplary. We hope the positive example they and members of their community have set resonates far and wide so that one day Australia, and indeed the world, can be free of violence against women.”
Earlier this month in the lead-up to today’s White Ribbon Day, White Ribbon Australia launched its Australia, land of secrets, a new awareness raising campaign.
Australia: land of secrets, intends to give a voice to the everyday experiences of violence that occur all around Australia.
Theseacts , from inappropriate behaviour or harassment to physical and emotional abuse, are part of a culture of violence in Australia.
White Ribbon Australia chairman Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie (Rtd) said while Australia was a proud nation and unrivalled for not only its physical beauty but its way of life, it had a dark secret.
“The high incidence of male violence against women in this country is very alarming,” Mr Gillespie said.
“Not only do one in three women over the age of 15 report having experienced physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives, violence is a major cause of homelessness for women and children and costs the economy billions annually in Australia.
“It is important to understand how every act of male violence against women can have serious effects on women, families and society as a whole. Male violence against women can happen anywhere and can take many forms; including physical, sexual, emotional and financial violence and has a profound cost across the personal, social and economic sphere.
“The issue of male violence against women is real, it’s worrying and, in many instances, remains hidden. Every woman, and man, can make a stand and speak up about the issue. Australia, land of secrets calls on men, women and the whole community to help uncover Australia’s secrets, raise awareness and stop violence against women.”