White Ribbon Day

Standing Against Violence: The Message

of White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Australia is a movement committed to ending gender-based violence.

The organisation is part of a global movement with a vision of creating a nation where women and children are free from men’s violence and abuse.

White Ribbon Day promotes prevention across communities, schools, and workplaces throughout Australia. The movement encourages men and boys to stand together with

a clear message: to end violence and promote gender equality.

A key focus of White Ribbon Australia is creating opportunities for men to build positive

and respectful relationships.

Through programs and campaigns, the organisation actively engages men in the social change required to eliminate violence against women and children. White Ribbon Australia also advocates for women’s human rights and freedom with equality, and recognising that men play an essential role in promoting women’s safety.

By taking responsibility for their actions, individuals contribute to the core values of White Ribbon Australia, which emphasise collaboration and accountability in the effort to end violence against women and children. Everyone has the right to feel safe and to be treated with respect. Most men believe that no woman or child should experience violence of any kind.

By joining the movement, Australian men can help change attitudes and create lasting behavioural change, moving society forward positively. Male advocates within White Ribbon Australia amplify a clear and unified message: violence against women and children is unacceptable. Their voices help challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours and encourage meaningful change.

White Ribbon Australia provides education and awareness through creative campaigns and evidence-based prevention programs supported by national and international research.

The organisation’s goal is to inspire real action to stop violence against women and children.

Women and children who experience violence often face serious and long-lasting consequences that affect their health, well-being, and ability to participate fully in society.

To prevent violence, communities must understand that it is gendered in nature, with women more likely than men to experience sexual violence and partner violence, often with severe impacts. Women are more likely to feel fear, require hospitalisation, or lose their lives as a result of partner violence.

Violence takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, and financial abuse. It is often used to control a woman’s independence. Violence is not limited to physical harm; verbal abuse, threats, social isolation, and financial control can

also cause fear and deeply damage a woman’s self-esteem and mental health.

White Ribbon Australia and its advocates highlight that this issue demands urgent change. The organisation supports the development of Community Action Groups and helps communities come together to create safer environments.

For more information, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au or email [email protected]

Kelly Amanda Lee | Reborn the Rose