The Liberal Government is urging men to recognise the positive role they can play to stop violence against women on annual White Ribbon Day today.
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalence and devastating effect of domestic, family and sexual violence.
White Ribbon is a male-led initiative that recognises the positive role men play in preventing violence against women.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink urged South Australians to take part in today’s awareness day.
“This White Ribbon Day, I encourage men to take the White Ribbon Oath and make a difference by swearing to stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women,” said Minister Lensink.
“Everyone can get involved by holding or attending a White Ribbon event and donating to support violence prevention initiatives in schools, workplaces and the broader community.”
Businesses and organisations can show their commitment to stopping violence against women and promoting a safe and inclusive workplace by becoming accredited through the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Program.
Minister Lensink said women’s policy in South Australia was an absolute priority of the Marshall Liberal Government.
“The statistics are shocking – one in three women in Australia have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by someone known to them and sadly, South Australians are not immune from this problem,” said Minister Lensink.
On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.
“This statistic is abhorrent and unacceptable and we all must do more to eliminate domestic, family and sexual violence from our community,” said Minister Lensink.
The Liberal Government is delivering on its commitment to address the scourge of domestic violence and has invested more than $11.9 million over the next four years on a suite of measures to support women and children at risk in South Australia.
The raft of positive measures include:
• $4 million to be spent establishing new emergency crisis accommodation beds for people fleeing abuse
• $5 million in interest-free loans to non-government organisations to find new domestic violence support housing including renovations and capital upgrades
• $510,000 to support a state-wide trial of a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme to help people who may be at risk of domestic violence find out if their current or former partner has a history of violence or other relevant offending
• An extra $1.66 million for Women’s Safety Services SA to provide 24/7 staffing and operation of the domestic violence crisis hotline
• $150,000 for the provision of a personal protection app linking at-risk women directly to police and domestic violence services
• Launching the “Ask for Angela” program in South Australia, giving people a discreet way to seek help if they have concerns for their safety and wellbeing at a licensed venue
• Hosting Domestic and Family Violence roundtables across South Australia speaking to stakeholders to help assist the State Government in establishing a much-needed plan for reform
• Introducing legislation to create a standalone strangulation offence, higher penalties for subsequent and serious breaches of intervention orders, ability to use police body worn camera evidence in court, and the broadening of the definition of abuse
• Assessing and reviewing all current domestic violence and abusive behaviour programs being offered to perpetrators.
“These initiatives highlight the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to helping reduce the scourge of domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia,” said Minister Lensink.
