To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day, the Government has called on all Australians to do everything they can to end violence against women.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister addressed the annual White Ribbon Day Breakfast at Parliament House. The Prime Minister reiterated that all violence against women begins with disrespecting women and urged all Australians to work together to effect cultural change.
Shortly after, the Chair of the COAG Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and their Children, Mr Ken Lay, delivered a keynote address to Monash University. Mr Lay reflected on the underlying causes of violence against women, the insidious values that encourage it and how we all might begin to change these attitudes.
The Prime Minister later held a joint press conference with the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP, to release confronting new research about young people’s attitudes towards violence and gender equality.
The research finds there are entrenched community attitudes that foster gender inequality and disrespect, in turn fuelling violence against women. The Government will use the research to inform a $30 million national campaign to reduce violence against women and their children, due to begin early next year, and jointly funded with the states and territories.
Today’s announcements build on the public stand against violence towards women that leaders in the Australian media industry took yesterday.Media leaders committed to follow the principles on responsible reporting developed by Our Watch and to reference the national 1800RESPECT domestic violence and sexual assault counselling and information service in relevant coverage.
There has been unprecedented momentum in combatting violence against women over the past year and today is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on how they can help to end it.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
Office for Women
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
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