The rallies around the country this week are a powerful symbol that society has had enough, and it is time for a change. Safety is a basic human right and women across the country do not feel safe. This is consistent across our relationships, in our workplaces and on the streets.
Tragically, significant societal movements are built on the foundations of unbearable pain. Black Lives Matter, Love is Love, Reproductive Justice. We tell ourselves that if we make enough noise then surely some change will come. With these movements comes media attention, then comes political involvement.
Sadly, when we first started working in the Family Violence space, one woman was killed a week – now the figures are even more devastating with the numbers only increasing.
Our client inTouch are a family violence service working with migrant and refugee women and their communities. They re-enforce that this is an issue that does not discriminate. It affects all cultures and communities, and it needs prevention.
Our Board Director and former CEO of World Vision Tim Costello has been working with vulnerable women for over 15 years. Tim is one of many advocates who is calling on the government for more concrete, societal change.
Our client Sport & Life Training (SALT) do a lot of work in the mental health space and are strong activists against gendered violence. They run programmes for men which help to educate and guide sport clubs. SALT’S CEO Dave Burt says “When the majority of men are clear that they are part of the solution, they will step up and play their role. After they have been educated there is very little push back and they become more willing to accept responsibility”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet state and territory leaders this week at a national cabinet to address the issue. We can only cross all our fingers and toes that our leaders have finally opened their eyes to the horrific stats we see on violence against women and do something, create a plan and put prevention methods in order.
As frustrated as the world is with western media, it is a vital tool in having your voice heard in times of distress. It’s an election year and the government better be listening.
While this story is currently flooding our news headlines, we’re proud to be advocating for a better society for vulnerable woman all year round and hope that collectively sharing these stories will help play a part in eradicating violence against women in the future.
Tony Nicholls
Founder and Director of Good Talent Media