24/11/03
One in four Australian women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives and Women's Interests Minister Sheila McHale today called on Western Australians to support White Ribbon Day - the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
"White Ribbon Day came about through a concern that endemic violence against women was impeding their opportunities to achieve legal, social, political and economic equality in society," Ms McHale said.
The Minister will open a three-day conference for domestic violence and injury prevention workers tomorrow in Perth to coincide with White Ribbon Day.
"The conference will focus on the World Report on Violence and Health released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the first comprehensive report of its kind to address violence as a global public health problem," she said.
"The report focuses not only on the scale of the problem, but also covers issues related to the causes of violence and the methods for preventing violence and reducing its adverse health and social consequences.
"New research will also be made public tomorrow by forensic psychologist Dr Deborah Wilmoth showing that every year in Australia about 125 women and girls are murdered and all but 14 were killed by someone they knew.
"In more than half of the cases where the women had children, their children saw them being killed."
Ms McHale urged people to show their support by wearing a white ribbon.
"However, the commitment to end violence against women needs to extend beyond White Ribbon Day," she said.
"The community needs strong role models who clearly show a refusal to commit, condone or remain silent on this issue.
"For example, fathers in their everyday lives can be strong role models for boys, young men and for each other by showing that violence and aggression are not acceptable behaviour for men and boys.
"This includes challenging harmful attitudes and beliefs in the community that foster violent acts."
Ms McHale said she would also recommend that her Parliamentary colleagues wear white ribbons tomorrow.
Organisations can show support on Tuesday, November 25, by placing an electronic white ribbon on websites from today. Further information is available: http://www.whiteribbonday.gov.au
In Western Australia, White Ribbon lapel stickers are available from reception areas at:
- Department for Community Development district offices across the State;
- King Edward Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital;
- the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC); and
- metropolitan women's health centres.
"For those either experiencing domestic violence or who know someone that is, the domestic violence helplines can offer speedy assistance," the Minister said.
They are:
The Women's Domestic Violence HelplineMetro callers: 9223 1188
Country callers: 1800 007 339 (freecall STD)
Men's Domestic Violence HelplineMetro callers: 9223 1199
Country callers: 1800 000 599 (freecall STD)
Minister's office: 9213 6900
