THE Western Region Football League have teamed up with the White Ribbon campaign to help raise awareness of the impact domestic violence has in the community, in particular across Melbourne’s west.
Over the next few weeks, in the lead-up to the WRFL’s White Ribbon Round on July 16 and 17, the league will share information about the work White Ribbon does in the community as well as educate the league’s players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters about what you can do to address this serious issue facing many people across Australia.
WHAT IS WHITE RIBBON?
White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end men’s violence against women and girls, promote gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.
White Ribbon Australia (White Ribbon), as part of this global movement, aims to create an Australian society in which all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.
White Ribbon works through a primary prevention approach understanding that men are central to achieving the social change necessary to prevent men’s violence against women. We engage men to stand up, speak out and act to influence the actions of some men and demand change. White Ribbon is dedicated to ensuring men are active advocates for changing the social norms, attitudes and behaviours that are at the root of men’s abuse of women.
Through education, awareness-raising and creative campaigns, preventative programs and partnerships, we are highlighting the positive role men play in preventing men’s violence against women and enabling them to be part of this social change.
2016 WHITE RIBBON NIGHT
Friday 29 July is White Ribbon Night, now in its fourth year, the annual event is more committed to raising awareness and much needed funds to end men’s violence against women.
This year White Ribbon Australia is expanding upon the have a night in to get the word out campaign, by embracing some of Australia’s most popular pastimes such as Footy, Film and Feasting.
Domestic Violence is a difficult conversation to have and White Ribbon Night provides a platform to open up the conversation and shine a light on this issue from the comfort of your home.
White Ribbon Australia CEO, Libby Davies explains the concept behind the mid-year campaign, including the raising of vital funds to expand White Ribbon Australia’s primary prevention initiatives in schools, workplaces and the broader community.
“Shockingly, on average, one woman a week is killed in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence and one in four Australian’s are exposed to domestic violence.
“We would like to think that our homes are our safe havens and that we can be there with our family and friends, but sadly this isn’t always the case. Domestic and family violence is the principal cause of homelessness for women and children and research has indicated that increased risk of mental health, behavioural and learning difficulties can come from exposure to intimate partner violence.”
On the Friday evening, White Ribbon will band together with some great Australian loves, Football, Feasting and Film, encouraging Australian’s to have a night in.
Last Modified on 06/07/2016 16:09