There are 64 reasons we cannot ignore violence against women.

Enough is enough.

Sixty-four women have died since the start of this year.

Sixty-four lives stolen without reason.

Sixty-four futures erased.

Sixty-four families destroyed.

Sixty-four vitally important reasons why we can no longer ignore violence against women:

This list does not include the names of women who have been hospitalised by their violent partners.

Nor does it include the names of women and children who live in fear every day. That list is far too long.

The Federal Government has made a funding announcement today, but this will take more than funding. It will take every Australian, every day, acting to stamp out violence against women and the gender inequality at its root.

There are sixty-four names we shouldn’t know.

Sixty-four names we can’t forget.

*This information is prepared by the Counting Dead Women Australia researchers of Destroy The Joint. You can find more information here.

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.