Reflection
Violence against women - a national crisis
It costs police 40% of their time.
It costs $26 billion annually.
And this time next week, it will cost another Australian woman her life.
When you hear that domestic violence is the leading preventable cause of death for women in Australia under 45 we know we are dealing with a national crisis. Importantly, the statistics inform us that socio-economic background plays no bearing on the rate of incidents.
These statistics are a disgrace and inform us there are many men who settle family arguments with their fists, often in front of their children. There are men who engage in psychological torture, and leave their partners feeling trapped with nowhere to go. As a boys' school, we must be absolutely clear that any form of violence or psychological harm against women is abhorrent and furthermore, it is up to males to speak out against such behaviour. It is a line never to cross.
Last week the Government set out an ambitious plan to end domestic and sexual violence within one generation – it is referring to our boys' generation! It includes a focus on achieving gender equality and on everyone taking responsibility - by challenging sexist comments; by providing financial support and protection to victim-survivors; and by holding people who choose to use violence to account.
As parents, and as influencers of young people, we want the best for children. We want them to have positive experiences, healthy relationships and opportunities to learn. We want them to understand right and wrong. We want them to respect others, and respect themselves. It’s important, therefore, we understand the cycle of violence. Not all disrespect towards women results in violence. But all violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour.
