08 March 2024
- March 8 2024 is International Women’s Day and also marks the 50th anniversary of the domestic and family violence sector in Australia.
- Australia’s first ever whole of community public pledge to take action to end domestic violence.
Today, peak organisation Domestic Violence NSW and Rosie Batty AO, survivor advocate, are calling on the Australian public to take action to help end domestic and family violence. “Domestic and family violence is an epidemic that is entrenched in our society but it is something we can all help end if we choose to act. This pledge commits people to taking that action,” said Rosie Batty AO.
Last year 64 women were murdered because of domestic and family violence in Australia and around 6,000 women were hospitalised. Domestic and family violence also contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 15 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor and is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
To create a change, a collective effort is needed to address the drivers of violence against women across all areas of society – the End Domestic and Family Violence Pledge serves as part of that collective effort.
“While the systems such as government, police, the justice system and domestic and family violence services have an important role to play, so do individuals, families, communities and organisations,” Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW said.
The 50th anniversary of the domestic violence sector serves as the first ever opportunity, in Australian history, for the Australian public to publicly sign a pledge and become part of the change that is needed to end domestic and family violence.
“By taking the pledge people are not only committing to taking action they are also committing to being part of the solution. Our hope is that in 50 years from now domestic and family violence will be part of our history and not our future, because together we can and we will end domestic and family violence,” said Delia Donovan CEO of Domestic Violence NSW.
About the pledge:
The ‘SAFE’ pledge includes four commitments with additional resources available to support the actions:
See: recognise the signs
Understanding the signs of Domestic and Family Violence to be able to identify and support someone
you know that is experiencing abuse.Action: respond to violence
How to safely intervene in an emergency situation without putting yourself or others in danger.
Face-up: lead by example
Including, role modelling respectful behaviour, calling out disrespectful, discriminatory or sexist behaviour
in others.Education:
understanding leads to preventing Learning more about domestic and family violence and encouraging others such as workplaces, clubs, education facilities and places of worship to do the same, so we can stop it before it starts.