- Violence against women takes a huge toll on the individual, the community and Australia’s legal, health and welfare resources.
- The annual economic cost of violence against women and their children is estimated to be $13.6 billion and this is expected to rise to $15.6 billion by 2021.
- Family violence is the major cause of homelessness amongst women and children and is a major contributor to mental illness and substance abuse.
- Exposure to domestic violence is considered a form of child abuse.
i swear
never to commit violence against women,
never to excuse violence against women, and
never to remain silent about violence against women.
this is my oath
never to commit violence against women,
never to excuse violence against women, and
never to remain silent about violence against women.
this is my oath
Why swear?
Violence against women in Australia affects us all. One in three Australian women over the age of 15 reports having experienced physical or sexual violence. These women are our mothers, our daughters, our wives, our girlfriends, our colleagues and our friends.
By swearing the Oath and wearing a white ribbon on 25 November (White Ribbon Day), we are all actively showing our commitment to promote positive attitudes and behaviours towards women. The Oath challenges us all to, as Mahatma Gandhi would say – ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. This change will take time, but the action can begin today.
