One Australian woman a week dies from an act of domestic violence. Take a moment to think about this shocking statistic today — White Ribbon Day.
To mark the occasion, White Ribbon have released a video bringing home the true devastation wreaked by domestic violence. Like a typical tourism advertisement, it begins with a series of beautiful landscapes and undiscovered secrets of the Australian landscape. Within the ‘undiscovered secrets’ category is the secret of domestic violence.
The White Ribbon campaign is the first male-led campaign in the world to end domestic violence against women. By wearing a white ribbon, men are declaring to never commit, excuse or remain silent about an act of violence against a woman. The campaign, which was initiated in Canada following the shooting of fourteen women by a lone gunman, has spread worldwide, and aims to bring into the open the truth about the horrific domestic abuse that occurs behind closed doors. The white ribbon symbolises that the wearer believes in equality between men and women, and is committed to community action against violence against women.
In December 1999, the UN declared November 25th to be The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and now it marks the first day of the White Ribbon Campaign. The campaign aims to educate men and boys about the roles they can play in the prevention of the abuse of females. It is unknown how many women are affected by domestic violence nationwide, and as well as prevention, the White Ribbon campaign seeks to uncover how many women have been impacted by abuse.
Well known personalities such as radio hosts Hamish and Andy, Keith Urban, Rove McManus and Jimmy Barnes, as well as AFL and NRL players support the campaign, and seek to ‘have the back’ of women who suffer at the hands of violent men. They are encouraging men to take the pledge and swear to never commit, excuse or ignore acts of violence against women. So far 81, 634 individuals have taken the oath.
Watch the campaign video below.
Find out more, and watch Australia, the Land of Secrets video here: whiteribbon.org.au
