| Trigger warning: this email discusses domestic violence=======
Neville,
There is no clearer symbol of continuing gender inequality in our society than the epidemic of violence against women and the chilling statistics that go with it.
1 in 3 Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
17 per cent of Australian women have experienced violence by a current or previous partner in their lifetime.
20 per cent of Australian women who have experienced current partner violence reported it to police.
Family violence is the number 1 cause of homelessness amongst women in Australia.
The biggest risk factor for being a victim of family violence is being a woman.
And so far this year, we’ve seen an average of two women have been killed each week at the hands of their partners or former-partners.
This is not acceptable.
That’s why I’ve called on the Prime Minister to hold a national crisis summit on family violence as soon as possible. Failing that, Labor will hold a summit within 100 days of being elected and invest in interim measures — because it is the responsibility of every one of us to end this.
We must change these awful statistics and you can read Labor’s plan to get started on that work here.
The nightmare of family violence is a reality for far too many Australian women. No one should have to face this ordeal on their own. This is a crisis for our nation. We cannot waste another day, we must start work now.
Thank you for standing with every Australian experiencing family violence.
Bill
PS If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, you can get help. Call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732); the 24 hour National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line. |
