An epidemic of violence, abuse and harassment

Men must take action to end the epidemic of violence, abuse and harassment against women, says White Ribbon Australia.

The organisation has issued a challenge to Australian men to understand and own their role in creating a future where women and children are safe from all forms of men’s violence and abuse, and to commit to meaningful action.

Launching the White Ribbon Day 2021 (Friday, November 19) campaign, White Ribbon Australia Executive Director Brad Chilcott said turning this national tragedy around would require real, long-term social and cultural transformation – and men willing to reflect on their role in achieving that change.

“It’s no longer good enough just to be aware of the problem. We need men to choose to be part of the solution – addressing attitudes, expectations and behaviours that uphold inequality and excuse disrespect.

“We need men who have the tools they need to bring about change – first in ourselves, then in our friendship circles and communities,” Mr Chilcott said.

“We need every person, every community, every school, every workplace, every sports club and every Government body at all levels to commit to being a part of that change to end all forms of men’s violence against women.”

Mr Chilcott said the focus of this year’s White Ribbon Day campaign was on the action men can take to end violence against women – asking “How Can Men Make Change?” and calling on communities to “Learn, Give, Take Action.”

“On average, more than one woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence,” he said.

“The Covid pandemic has made the situation worse, with lockdowns and social distancing not only creating a spike in violence, but also limiting the ability of victims to seek help.”

Shift the narrative

White Ribbon Australia Advisory Council Co-Chairs, 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty AO and former South Australian Premier and CEO of Thrive by Five Jay Weatherill AO, said White Ribbon Day 2021 was an opportunity to shift the narrative around gendered violence.

“It’s more than just talking the talk, holding a morning tea, or wearing a White Ribbon,” Ms Batty said.

“We need to change the attitudes and social norms that excuse or condone disrespect, sexual harassment and abuse.

“Gender inequality and learned behaviours are at the heart of this problem, so it’s essential that men are part of the solution,” she added.

Mr Weatherill said the women’s safety agenda has never been more prominent than it has been over the course of the past 12 months.

“The women who have bravely come forward to call for change have taken our collective awareness to new heights and provided us with a great opportunity to mobilise all Australians to help create a future where women and children are free from all forms of men’s violence and abuse,” he said.

“There’s never been a more important time for men and boys to be engaged in the work of challenging the cultural norms and attitudes that are the foundation of sexual harassment, violence and controlling behaviours,” Mr Weatherill added.

Mr Chilcott urged people to host an event this White Ribbon Day, “inviting men and all Australians to learn what they can do to be a part of the change and raise funds to support our work in engaging men and boys to create a future free from all forms of men’s violence and abuse”.

“We’re doing this because we believe every woman should be free from fear, harm and discrimination – and because we believe that men can change; that no boy is born violent and we should use every available resource to make these beliefs a reality,” he said.

“Ending men’s violence against women can sometimes feel like an impossible goal. But we can do it together, community by community, workplace by workplace.”

White Ribbon Day events will support primary prevention initiatives in schools, workplaces and the broader community, working to change the social conditions that are the drivers of gendered violence through self-reflection, education, Workplace Accreditation and community-led prevention activities.

This White Ribbon Day, Friday, November 19, we’re asking Australians to do three things:

* Learn: Access training and resources about how men and all of us can make change towards ending all forms of men’s violence and abuse against women.
* Give: Hold an event and donate to White Ribbon Australia’s work to engage men and boys in ending violence and abuse against women.
* Take action: From simple things you can do each day, to becoming a White Ribbon Australia Community Partner, starting a Community Action Group, or encouraging your workplace to become White Ribbon Accredited.