Wear a white ribbon on 25 November to say no to violence

Males across Queensland are encouraged to wear a white ribbon on Sunday 25 November to say no to violence against women and girls.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis commended the men and boys who will make the pledge as part of White Ribbon Day to never commit, excuse or be silent about violence against women.

“Violence takes many forms, including domestic and family violence and sexual violence,” Ms Davis said.

“Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 1 in 3 women in Australia have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and almost 1 in 5 have experienced sexual violence.

“It’s important that communities right across Queensland stand up and say no to such violence.”

The Newman Government has provided $75,000 this year towards White Ribbon Day, which is coordinated by Australia’s CEO Challenge in Queensland.

“The message from CEO Challenge is to ‘change it, wear it, swear it’,” she said.

“Everyone can get behind this important campaign by buying and wearing a white ribbon, buying a car sticker, making the pledge to end violence against women, attending an event, or becoming an ambassador.”

A number of MPs will be taking the oath at Parliament House next week.

November 25 was declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. The White Ribbon Day campaign was initiated in Australia by UNIFEM (now UN Women) in 2003.

Ms Davis said the Queensland Government funds a range of community based services to support people affected by domestic and sexual violence.

“This includes sexual assault services, women’s health services, domestic and family violence prevention and support services, and accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic and family violence,” she said.

or more information about White Ribbon Day visit www.whiteribbondayqueensland.com.au

For more information about domestic and family violence and sexual violence services visitwww.communities.qld.gov.au or telephone DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120.

[ENDS] 24 November 2012

Media Contact: Sarah Gullo 0417 172 480