Today, the 23rd of November, is White Ribbon Day.
Men and women are encouraged to wear a white ribbon as a visual symbol of their commitment to never excuse or remain silence about violence against women.
In 1999, the United Nations declared today the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and thus the 23rd of November is about so much more than a piece of white fabric.
This year, Destroy the Joint is counting the women who have been murdered as a result of domestic violence. The toll is currently at 63.
Awareness and conversations are critical to building a future free from violence and abuse, but so is action.
Here are five practical things you can do to help women who have been afflicted by one of Australia’s largest and more dangerous epidemics.
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As a social worker, I saw a client today who has taken 12 months to develop the courage to report to police the dozens of breaches committed by her ex of his AVO, including threatening to have her killed and breaking into her home and planting listening devices. Police charged him but the ex has successfully had his court case adjourned claiming he can’t afford legal representation - twice! Apparently in Victoria he can do this ongoing. All whilst she hides at home scared to go out, as he continues to roam her street and follow her in his car. She is terrified what he will do next if he gets off lightly this time. Our Government is full of **** about being serious about domestic violence. Change the damn laws protecting perpetrators!
It is good to hear from someone about what is really happening at the coal face of this serious issue. We need to ask more of those people we elect who have the power to change legislation to protect women. Also we keep hearing that there is a lack of shelters and funding so what is going on here? Symbolically supporting a cause by wearing a white ribbon doesn’t seem to be helping much.
I feel like this article is more useful than the whole White Ribbon thing, at least there’s practical advice here and not just waffle about ‘raising awareness’. In fact, this may be one of the better articles I’ve seen here lately! More of this, please!
I agree! I often get frustrated by the articles that don’t offer practical advice. We empower ourselves by recognising those early warning signs of an abusive relationship. Yes I know how good abusers are at hiding their true nature in the early ‘love bombing’ stages. But the clues are usually there if we know what to look for. We need to know those clues! It can save lives.
I always feel awful when I read about another woman being killed, and frustrated that I can’t do anything about it. But at least now I can get together some toiletries for women who need them, or donate to help take care of their pets. It’s a small thing, but it makes me feel a tiny bit useful, and it all adds up.
I believe there are many kind hearted people who just want to know how they can help. Bunnings act as a collection point twice a year for Share the Dignity which is wonderful. Perhaps an ongoing collection bin at supermarkets where we can buy some toiletries while shopping and donate then and there? Thanks to this article I now know how giving to the RSPCA can enable me do something to help others.
I feel this is true of all of these "name" events: they are meant to be opportunities to have discussions around the objective, rather than the thing it itself. It's easy to lost sight of whatever the cause, whether it's White Ribbon or Movember or whatever.