White Ribbon Day -Stop Violence Against Women!

I am a bit behind the times - White Ribbon Day - Australia's campaign to Stop Violence against Women was November 26th.

It is still a topic worth talking about the whole year round. If you want more information and to support the campaign here is the link : White Ribbon Campaign.

To show your support and commitment you can swear an oath of non-violence to women. Please check out the page 'Hey mate show the world where you stand' to see and join via twitter men like Rove MacManus, Keith Urban, Will Anderson, Malcolm Turnbull, Kochie and Dicko.

Dr Michael Flood from La Trobe University's Health Sciences faculty writes that as many as 50% of Australian women will experience physical or sexual violence by a man at some stage in their lives according to national surveys.

Definition

Domestic Violence occurs when a family member uses violent and/or abusive behaviour to control another family member or members.

Domestic Violence can include physical, verbal, emotional, economic or sexual abuse. For example: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, damaging property, yelling, insults, threats, bullying, withholding and controlling finances, unwanted sexual acts, forced sex.

Women and children are the majority of those who are subjected to abusive and violent behaviours in the home from their male partners, or fathers and stepfathers. Domestic violence cuts across all sections of the community. It doesn't matter what your ethnic or religious background is, whether you are Indigenous, or if you have a high income or are on benefits. It doesn't matter if you have a disability or are young or old, and it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight.

For people who use violence, a useful definition of violence is any action which is experienced by your partner as intimidating or causing fear and therefore having the effect of your partner limiting what they say or do.

The above definition comes for the Domestic Violence Crisis Service of ACT.

So I encourage you - women speak out, name it in order to change it.
And men take action, swear the oath of nonviolence and commit to non-control and respectful practices.

Philipa at Marriage Works your Sydney Eastern Suburbs Relationship Psychologist