Andrew Giles MP, Federal Member for Scullin, yesterday showed his support for White Ribbon Day on 25 November – Australia’s only male led campaign to stop men’s violence against women.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Giles pledged himself to the principles of the White Ribbon movement and swore to “never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women”.
“Family violence is a gendered crime and the business of all of us, but it is especially men’s business,” Mr Giles said.
“In the last year, of the 2,110 family violence incidents reported to police in the City of Whittlesea, 100 per cent of the alleged offenders were men,” Mr Giles said.
“White Ribbon recognises this pattern of offending in family violence but also that most men are not violent.”
“Within the communities of the City of Whittlesea, the rates of family violence are unacceptably high. They are the highest in Victoria Police’s Division 5, and increasing rapidly.”
“In the last recorded year, there was a 35 per cent increase. This is troubling.”
“Through awareness-raising, men can take responsibility for changing attitudes and behaviours. The cost to society of violence against women is huge. Violence is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in Victorian women aged 15-45.”
The White Ribbon Campaign aims to raise awareness among Australian men and boys about the roles they place to prevent violence against women. The campaign calls for men across Australia to speak out and take an oath swearing to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
The campaign culminates on White Ribbon Day, 25 November, when men and women across Australia are called to wear a white ribbon as a visual symbol of their commitment and oath.
Mr Giles commended the YMCA in Mill Park for hosting a fundraising event to support White Ribbon Australia and raise awareness of the effect of violence against women and children.
The event is on Monday, 25 November, at the YMCA, 33 Morang Drive, Mill Park from 6 to 8pm. Everyone who attends the BBQ is asked to donate a gold coin and wear something white on the night.
Visit White Ribbon Day at www.whiteribbon.org.au.