Marking International Women’s Day today, peak organisation Domestic Violence NSW and survivor advocate Rosie Batty AO have launched a public pledge to end the epidemic domestic and family violence.
Today also marks the 50th anniversary of the domestic violence sector, and this pledge serves as the first ever opportunity for the Australian public to sign and become part of the critical change.
“Domestic and family violence is an epidemic that is entrenched in our society but it is something we can all help end if we choose to act. This pledge commits people to taking that action,” said Batty.
Last year, at least 64 women were murdered because of domestic and family violence in Australia, according to Destroy the Joint statistics. And already, this year, eleven women’s lives have been stolen by violence.
Domestic and family violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 15 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor, and is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
Attempting to drive real, societal change to these tragic statistics, The Pledge to End Domestic and Family Violence is encouraging a collective effort by asking people to sign the petition, saying they “know that change is possible and it starts with me”.
“While the systems such as government, police, the justice system and domestic and family violence services have an important role to play, so do individuals, families, communities and organisations,” Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW said.
“By taking the pledge people are not only committing to taking action they are also committing to being part of the solution. Our hope is that in 50 years from now domestic and family violence will be part of our history and not our future, because together we can and we will end domestic and family violence.”
The End Domestic and Family Violence, ‘SAFE’ pledge includes four commitments with additional resources available to support the actions: See (recognise the signs), Action (respond to violence), face-up (lead by example) and education (understanding leads to preventing).
Support:
1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732 which offers a national counselling helpline, information and support
NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 which offers a state-wide counselling helpline, information and support.
13 Yarn or 13 92 76 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns.
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline 1800 497 212 for anyone from the LGBITQA+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence.
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 for men, or friends and family of men using violence.
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578) or online for 24/7, free, confidential counselling.