Hey mate, start a conversation with your friends this Christmas

Christmas is a time when we gather with colleagues, friends and family, to share our activities over the past year. And one of the noblest things many men reading this will have done in 2012 is swear the White Ribbon Oath; never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

Not remaining silent involves starting conversations, so as to generate awareness and support. Christmas is the perfect time to start up such a conversation. Over a beer, a barbecue or whatever it may be, talk to your mates – related or not – about the stand you have made.

They are sure to be impressed, maybe even inspired to take the oath themselves, and the women in your circle will definitely appreciate the gesture as well.

While awareness is growing, there is still more work to be done to end violence against women. For example, the Specialist Homelessness Services 2011-12 report, recently released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), shows violence against women is still a major cause of homelessness.

One-third of the almost 230,000 Australians to access specialised homelessness services in that period were people experiencing domestic of family violence. Of such clients, a staggering 78 per cent were female.

Females also made up 68 per cent of those at risk of homelessness.

We need all the help we can get, including you!

Help stop violence against women by swearing the oath (if you haven’t already) at www.whiteribbon.org.au. If you are a White Ribbon supporter and oath swearer, remember to start a conversation, don’t stay silent!