Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sexual and domestic violence is a heartbreaking reality in the lives of many people on a daily basis. With one in three women targeted for sexual violence, the odds are high that we all know someone who has been in a sexually or physically violent relationship. On the night of 29 October, women and men will take to the streets of Lismore with one simple message: domestic violence is never okay. They will be doing so with good reason: the statistics are alarming. Some 57 per cent of Australian women experience physical or sexual abuse. In Australia, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner. Domestic and family violence is a cause of homelessness for both women and children.

The government has recently announced increased funding to help women experiencing domestic violence gain access to legal assistance and other services. This is part of the Australian government's $100 million Women's Safety Package. The Reclaim the Night committee in Lismore this year made the decision to invite men and children to the rally as well, and this year I will certainly be there. I thank them for organising it and I encourage everyone to get along. I thank ACON, Women Up North, Lismore Women's and Children's Refuge, On Track Community Programs, the Kadina High School welfare officer, Interrelate family services and the women's health and research centre for organising this.