One woman killed every week in Australia; White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Day 2013

Every week, one Australian woman dies from an act of domestic violence

The alarming statistic has been released ahead of today's White Ribbon Day - the world's largest male-led movement to end men's violence against women.

Launching the new anti-violence campaign, Australia, land of secrets, Chairman of White Ribbon Australia, Lt. Gen Ken Gillespie (Rtd) called on all Australians to help uncover Australia’s domestic violence secrets, to raise awareness and to stop violence against women.

“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."

“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 US$14.7 billion annually in Australia,” he said.

“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."

According to a report released earlier this year by the World Health Organisation (WHO), physical or sexual violence affects 35 percent of all women globally. And, like Australian statistics show, the most common type of abuse is intimate partner violence, with 30 percent of women experiencing physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their own partner.

To support White Ribbon Day, wear a white ribbon or wristband and swear the White Ribbon Oath.

Need help? If you or someone you know needs help, please call police on 131 444 or, in an emergency, 000.

You can also contact:
The 24-hour, National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline on 131 114
Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.