Parliamentarians spoke passionately of their steadfast commitment to ending violence against women at an event hosted by Our Watch and the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Violence against Women and Children on Wednesday.
Ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Friday 25 November, ministers, members and senators joined Our Watch board and staff members for the annual joint event at Parliament House in Canberra.
Our Watch CEO, Patty Kinnersly, said it was fantastic to have representatives from all parties, as well as independents, at the event.
“Ongoing multi-partisan political commitment is critical to support the sustained, long-term work needed to prevent violence against women in Australia,” she said.
“Our Watch works with partners nationwide, from governments to corporate Australia, sporting organisations, educational institutions, and the media, because everyone has a role to play in stopping violence against women before it starts.”
Our Watch Chair, Moo Baulch OAM, said across the country there is an increasing recognition of the need for a preventative approach and an appetite for learning more about what action to take.
“Today, people in Australia not only want to see change – they want to be part of the change,” they said.
“Until every woman is safe, equal and free from violence, they will never be able to full participate in our society, and our community will never be genuinely equal.
“And so, our work continues.”
Speakers at the event included Ngunnawal Elder Serena Williams, Minister for Social Services the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Senator Larissa Waters and Bridget Archer MP.
Senator Waters and Mrs Archer are Co-Conveners of the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Violence against Women and Children, along with Alicia Payne MP.
Please contact media@ourwatch.org.au or call 0448 844 930.
If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
To access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children, visit www.ourwatch.org.au/media-and-reporting
Our Watch is a national leader in Australia’s work to stop violence against women and their children before it starts. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children.