On White Ribbon Day today, the Marshall Liberal Government is urging men to recognise the positive role they play in preventing violence against women – and for all South Australians to commit to ending all forms of violence.
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalence and devastating effect of domestic, family and sexual violence right across the nation.
This year’s theme is “How Can Men Make Change?” and calling on people to ‘Live, Give, Take Action’ to help change attitudes towards violence.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink urged South Australians to take part in today’s awareness day.
“All forms of violence are unacceptable and must end,” said Minister Lensink.
“This White Ribbon Day and every day, I encourage all South Australians to stand up against violence so we can break the cycle, speak out if you see violence and reach out and seek help if you need support.
“One in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner and one in five women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 – this is shocking and it needs to stop.”
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said said supporting women’s safety has been a priority for the Marshall Liberal Government since day one.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is delivering more supports than before for at-risk South Australians through our record $21 million injection in DV support and prevention measures,” said Mrs Power.
“It is important to remember that every South Australian has a role to play in ending all forms of violence.
“In order to eliminate violence, we need to change attitudes to violence and that includes in homes, schools and the community.”
Marshall Liberal Government initiatives targeting support and prevention for men’s violence include:
- $1.14 million to deliver a state-first hotline for SA men at-risk or perpetrating violence to help them break the cycle before their behaviour escalates.
- Delivering the new Break the Cycle ad campaign, aimed at stopping violence and abuse at the start.
- Delivering the state-first Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme so at-risk South Australians can make an informed decision about their past or current relationship.
- Implemented new laws targeting the perpetrators of DV, giving authorities stronger tools to tackle repeat and serious offenders.
- Delivering a host of new initiatives to support at-risk women and children including opening 40 new crisis beds, including nine beds in a state-first trial to support perpetrators, and ensuring the SA DV Crisis Line can operate 24/7 – and many more.
Any South Australian who needs support is urged to contact:
DV Crisis Line: 1800 800 098
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
RESPECT hotline: 1800RESPECT (737 732)
Break the Cycle: breakthecycle.sa.gov.au
