On Monday 25th November, community members from across Brisbane are invited to join in the activities helping to raise awareness and important funds for White Ribbon. All attendees at the events will participate in the ’My Oath’ campaign for White Ribbon, by ’swearing’ to stop violence against women.
White Ribbon Day is the world’s largest male-led movement to end men’s violence against women. It is an annual campaign that recognises the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. It fosters and encourages male leadership in the prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent. This campaign is a means for men to speak out against violence against women, and to safely and effectively challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women. Women also support White Ribbon by encouraging the men in their lives to make a commitment to promote positive attitudes and behaviours towards women, as well as intervening safely to prevent violence against women when needed.
’One in three Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime,’ says Kylie Robertson of Brisbane Domestic Violence Service. ’This could be your mother, sister, daughter or friend. So by supporting these events you will be joining us on the path of prevention and change.’
Community members, services and organisations from across Brisbane have joined together to host these events.
In North Brisbane the Northside Alliance Against Domestic and Family Violence (NAADV) will be holding an event at Bunnings Carseldine, 1925 Gympie Road. Highlights include an all day sausage sizzle, speakers at 10.00am and visit from the Queensland Police and Fire Services, so bring along the kids.
In Central Brisbane the Brisbane Family Violence Network (BFVN) will be holding an event at Reddacliffe Place (outside the Treasury Casino) at 11.00am. The Walk in Her Shoes event asks men to literally undertake an obstacle course in womens shoes. This is no easy task, however it does promise to be a lot of fun and importantly to get the community talking about domestic and family violence.
More details about these events can be found on the Brisbane Domestic Violence Service website www.bdvs.org.au
These events will be one of many events taking place across Australia to raise awareness for White Ribbon Day, 25 November, the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. White Ribbon merchandise will be available at the events to purchase.
White ribbons and wristbands will be available at a number of stores around Australia, as well as online. To find out which stores, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au. For more information about White Ribbon Day visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
You can also take part in the ‘My Oath’ campaign by visiting www.whiteribbon.org.au/myoath and swearing never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.