Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Gellibrand for his motion. Like many here, I am an ambassador for White Ribbon Day and I regularly take part in events promoting an end to male violence against women, particularly as we approach 25 November every year. This day has been declared by the United Nations as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This coming Friday I will be taking part in a Cabramatta police and community event—the White Ribbon Walk—which will involve many in the community coming together as one to pledge their support against violence against women.

Last Monday at the Whitlam Library in Cabramatta I attended the launch of the White Ribbon Day campaign and signed on to the pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent in respect of violence against women. By now we all know the statistics—one in three women will be a victim of physical violence; one in five will be a victim of sexual violence; and currently, and most disturbingly, two women are being murdered by a partner or a former partner each week. As a nation we have grieved these deaths. We have heard the stories of the horrendous acts of violence against women, and yet it continues. I know that more than 50 per cent of assaults reported to my local police are domestic violence related. I also know that 60 per cent of boys growing up in an abusive household are likely to become abusers themselves. What is more chilling is that 50 per cent of girls growing up in such an environment are likely to take an abuser for a partner, and the cycle goes on. As a husband, a father of a daughter, and a proud grandfather of four girls, I am petrified at the thought that that statistic may one day apply to one of those women who mean most to me in my life.

The issue of violence against women is very real, and it is happening in all our neighbourhoods. It involves women no matter how successful, strong or resilient they are and whatever their ethnic or religious backgrounds. Most of the victims, through fear of reprisal or harm to their children, do not seek help. The number of unreported cases of violence against women is staggering. If we are to walk towards eradicating domestic violence, we must give women the confidence to come forward, report these crimes and engage with our police. We need more men to stand up and say this is not acceptable. We need more men educating the community about violence against women. In fact, what we need is more men—more real men. It is not okay to hit a woman, it is not okay to be domineering against a person that you love, and it is not okay to force a woman into compliance. It is not right that women live in fear, not knowing when their partner may once again lash out. These women are constantly walking on eggshells and are obviously riddled with anxiety. Today we should remember those women who have lost their lives through domestic violence and also their families who still grieve their loss. It is not enough to give speeches each year as we approach White Ribbon Day. It is imperative that we as a community take responsibility and look out for our families, our friends and our neighbours.

There are a number of organisations in my community working very hard to spread the message that violence against women and children is simply not acceptable. I would like to commend each of those organisations. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the great work of Betty Green, the chair of Bonnie Support Services, who not only look after the direct victims of domestic violence but play a very significant role in looking after their children as well. These are organisations that play a very significant role in our community, trying to bring an end to domestic violence and looking after the victims. Clearly we must change the attitude that women can be controlled or dominated by men. For the health of our community, we must commit to make this change. I would also like to thank our local White Ribbon committee for their work. In particular, I acknowledge the great work of Detective Chief Inspector Darren Newman and his team at the Cabramatta Local Area Command. They are certainly playing a very significant role in drawing attention to violence against women. Committing domestic violence is not the only inexcusable act. Remaining silent is almost as bad.

See this speech in context