One in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15. On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. Furthermore, violence against women is estimated to cost the Australian economy $22 billion a year.
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These are just some of the alarming facts from the Bureau of Statistice that have motivated an ever-increasing support for a very important awareness day on our national calendar.
And today, Novemebr 23, is set aside to drive home further awareness on a topic that has been swept under the carpet or hidden behind closed doors for way too long. Today is White Ribbon Day.
Today is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, educating people in the community about the services and support available to those affected by domestic violence and empowering people who are victims of domestic violence.
White Ribbon Day was first created in 1991 by a handful of Canadian men on the second anniversary of one man's massacre of 14 women in Montreal.
They started to campaign to urge men to speak out against violence against women. The campaign first made its mark in Australia in 2003 when 10,000 ribbons were distributed across the nation.
Although, even in 2003, domestic violence was not a new problem in our society the White Ribbon campaign brought the issue into the limelight.
The day now provides a beacon of hope for those who previously suffered in fear and silence. It heralds the fact that these people are surrounded by friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues who are well aware of the incidence and impact of domestic violence. And this ultimately empowers those who are in an abusive environment.
This year’s campaign has focused on bringing the community together to end violence against women. And this is being done in a variety of ways in the Shoalhaven.
White Ribbon activities included an large turnout in Jellybean Park in Nowra on November 21, where people made the pledge to call out violence against women. On Friday, November 23 a White Ribbon barbecue at Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services in East will be hosted by the Shoalhaven Multicultural Group from 7pm. The winner of the ‘Breaking the Silence’ video competition will also be announced.