RISE ON V-DAY

“Whether we know it or not, every single one of us knows someone who is suffering abuse or has experienced violence.  Together we have the responsibility, and the power, to be the generation that changes all that.”    White Ribbon Ambassador, Andrew O’Keefe.

Millions of men and women around the world will unite on February 14 as part of One Billion Rising; a global campaign to stop violence against women.

This year, One Billion Rising will build upon the energy and momentum that was created in 2013, when activists from 207 countries united in support of an end to violence against women and girls. To see what it looked like, click here.

Intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence against women, affecting 30 per cent of women worldwide, according to the 2013 World Health Organization report Global and regional estimates of violence against women: Prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence.

And Australia is not immune.

According to the latest Australian Institute of Criminology statistics, 116 women were killed by someone they with whom they shared a principal domestic relationship between 2008-10.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data also indicates that that one in three Australian women over the age of 15 reports having experienced physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives.

And there are many other incidents that go unreported.

The victims are not just statistics – they are wives, mothers, daughters, grand-daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends and colleagues. Most importantly, they are people, and the impact of the violence perpetrated against them is widespread and long-standing.

Violence against women is never a private issue.

So, on Valentine’s Day 2014 rise, say no to violence against women and join in the online conversation using #RISE4Justice.

If you would like to register a joint White Ribbon/One Billion Rising event, please register your event at www.whiteribbon.org.au/events to receive a free resource pack. If you would like more information on One Billion Rising, please visit www.onebillionrising.org.