Australia’s dark secret One woman killed every week

Australia, land of secrets is a new awareness raising campaign launched in the lead up to White Ribbon Day, Monday 25 November. Australia, land of secrets intends to give a voice to the everyday experiences of violence that occur all around Australia. These acts, from inappropriate behaviour or harassment to physical and emotional abuse, are part of a culture of violence in Australia. Chairman of White Ribbon Australia, Lt. Gen Ken Gillespie (Rtd) says that while Australia is a proud nation and unrivalled for not only its physical beauty but its way of life, it has a dark secret. “The high incidence of male violence against women in this country is very alarming,” said Ken. “Not only do one in three women over the age of 15 report having experienced physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives,[ii] violence is a major cause of homelessness for women and children[iii] and costs the economy US$14.7 billion annually in Australia.[iv]” “It is important to understand how every act of male violence against women can have serious effects on women, families and society as a whole. Male violence against women can happen anywhere and can take many forms; including physical, sexual, emotional and financial violence and has a profound cost across the personal, social and economic sphere. “The issue of male violence against women is real, it’s worrying and, in many instances, remains hidden. Every woman, and man, can make a stand and speak up about the issue. Australia, land of secrets calls on men, women and the whole community to help uncover Australia’s secrets, raise awareness and stop violence against women.” This White Ribbon Day, Monday 25 November, White Ribbon Australia is encouraging people to speak up and uncover stories of violence against women. Australia, land of secrets brings a new creative element to Australia’s only national male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women in its 10^th Anniversary year. White Ribbon Australia will be hosting awareness and fundraising events across the country throughout November. Australians are encouraged to participate in the many events happening in their local area, and to donate to show their support of the campaign. For more information visit www.whiteribbon.org.au. Follow this link to view and share the new TVC: www.uncoversecrets.com.au HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT WHITE RIBBON DAY This year’s annual White Tie Gala Dinner is being held for the first time in Perth, Melbourne will host the annual White Ribbon Day luncheon at Town Hall, activations will feature in Sydney, together with the White Ribbon Walk from Randwick to Coogee, and South Australia will host a White Ribbon Day Breakfast. White Ribbon invites people to show their support for White Ribbon Day by hosting or attending one of the many White Ribbon events that take place across Australia (www.whiteribbon.org.au/), sharing the campaign online (www.whiteribbon.org.au/) or purchasing White Ribbon wristbands and ribbons at any Suzanne Grae, The Salvation Army (QLD, NSW, ACT) stores or the White Ribbon shop (www.whiteribbon.org.au/shop).