Having addressed the annual White Ribbon Day Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre this morning, Australian of the Year Rosie Batty has turned a tragedy into a cause…
Rising above her personal tragedy and the loss of her son Luke, who was murdered by his father, Rosie became a powerful advocate against domestic violence and was named 2015 Australian of the Year.
Today Rosie spoke to a crowd of almost 1200 guests at the eighth Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast. She outlined her views about the national scourge of violence, which has claimed the lives of at least 72 Australian women this year.
Rosie Batty continues to shine a spotlight on the prevalence of family violence and her tireless campaigning has been instrumental in changing the culture that allows family violence to occur.
Rosie has also launched the “Never Alone” campaign asking all Australians to stand beside her and all victims of family violence across the country.
“I believe gender inequality in our society is a key driver of violence against women and that real cultural change will only take place when our State and national leaders take a stand against this Australia-wide scourge,” Rosie Batty said today.
“In recent months, we have made some real gains with increased government funding for programs to combat what is a national problem.”
“But so much more needs to be done. We need to ensure that women are believed when they first report domestic violence and we need to ensure that our schools take a leading role in shaping the behaviour of our youth.”
The most recent figures regarding the impact of domestic violence make for disturbing reading.
- One Australian woman is killed by a current or former partner EACH WEEK
- 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 Australian economy $14.7 billion a year.
Rosie Batty described the statistics surrounding family violence as shocking and part of an untold story in Australian society.
“We must raise awareness about the everyday experiences of violence that occur all around Australia.”
“These acts, from inappropriate behaviour or harassment to physical and emotional abuse, are sadly part of the culture of violence in this nation,” Rosie Batty said.
“The issue of family violence and male violence against women in particular is real, it is worrying and, in many instances, it remains hidden. Every man and woman can make a stand and speak up about the issue.”
“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.”
The White Ribbon campaign is the largest male-led movement to stop violence against women.
White Ribbon hosts awareness and fund raising campaigns across the country.
For more information visit www.whiteribbon.org.au
More News
