How Embarrassing: Violence Against Women

The most recent research indicates that anywhere between 40% (ABS 2006 Personal Safety Survey) and 57% of women (AIC 2004) in Australia have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence. These findings suggest that almost all of us will know a woman who has been affected by male violence.

As if these statistics are not embarrassing enough, remember that these surveys used a narrow definition of violence as being ‘physical’ or ‘sexual’. If we broadened the definition of violence, how many more women would we find are affected by male violence? For example, what if we were to consider the suppression of liberty, or freedom of movement as a form of male violence? How many women think twice about using public transport or walking home in the evening, because of the fear of physical or sexual assault? If we learned that a large number of women do fear male violence when walking or taking a train at night, as men, should we find this embarrassing?

This year, when we wear a white ribbon and pledge to not commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women, let’s reflect upon our own behaviour and beliefs. Let’s work together to make Australia more equal, so that the women in our lives, can get a ‘fair go’.  Are you embarrassed enough to take a stand?

WHITE RIBBON DAY TEAM