November 24, 2015
Federal MP Darren Chester has encouraged Gippslanders to help lead a cultural shift in the way the public views domestic violence.
On the eve of White Ribbon Day and the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25, 2015), Mr Chester said advances had been made in community understanding and recognition of domestic violence.
“Overcoming domestic violence is not just up to government and not just up to the police,” Mr Chester said.
“We all have a role to play in addressing violence against women and children. That means talking about the issue openly and making it clear we will never accept violence, intimidation or disrespectful behaviour in the home, workplace, or wider community.
“Tragically, Gippsland has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Victoria and we’re fortunate we have some outstanding people on the ground providing assistance to victims.
“We can help support them in that role by taking positive actions to calling out violence and intimidation when we see it.”
In Parliament House recently, Mr Chester attended the launch of “Change the story”, a new shared framework for the primary prevention of violence against women and their children.
The framework is an initiative of Our Watch, which was established to lead a nation-wide change in attitudes to domestic violence.
Mr Chester said the Federal Government had announced a $100 million domestic violence package to deliver immediate and practical measures to keep women and their children safer.
“This $100 million in funding will provide a range of initiatives to make it clear to the perpetrators they will be held to account and we will not blame the victims of domestic violence,” Mr Chester said.
“We face additional challenges in regional areas, as sometimes the violence goes unreported because victims don’t think there is the help available to them.
“The national help line (1800 RESPECT) is available and I encourage people to make the call if they feel threatened.
“But as a community, it is important we look after our neighbours, our friends and our colleagues. This means ensuring we don’t turn a blind eye and asking if there is something we can do to help.
“They might not accept your help straight away, but they may need it further down the track.”
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today joined political and media leaders at Parliament House in committing to key principles for responsible media reporting of domestic violence contained in the Our Watch guidelines.
Call the national domestic violence and sexual assault counselling and information helpline on 1800 RESPECT (737 732).
CAPTION: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Our Watch Chair Natasha Stott Despoja AM and recent Board appointee Lieutenant General David Morrison AO (Ret’d) at the launch of ‘Change the Story’ national domestic violence framework at Parliament House.
