Campaign shows young people where to ‘draw the line’ on violence

A new advertising campaign was launched today to teach young people, specifically young males aged 14 to 16 years, about where to draw the line on violence.

Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Christian Porter, said the Our Watch campaign, The Line, would address the need to make cultural change in the attitudes towards women.

“We know that to prevent violence against women, we need to change people’s attitudes towards women,” Minister Porter said.

“The Line campaign teaches young people that there are consequences when you cross the line – if you commit an act of violence, it cannot be undone.

“This campaign shows that violence can take many forms – physical and sexual violence, emotional abuse, controlling behaviours and victim-blaming are all forms of violence which cross the line.”

Minister Porter said the campaign complements the Coalition Governments’ $100 million package announced by the Prime Minister last week to provide a safety net for women and children at high risk of experiencing violence.

It is also is in addition to the Australian Government’s $100 million investment in the Second Action Plan of the National Plan, and the $30 million national campaign to reduce violence against women and their children, jointly funded with the states and territories.

“There is almost universal acceptance by the Australian community that violence against women is wrong and yet research shows that one in five people think there are circumstances that excuse violence – even more concerning, for young people that moves to one in four,” Minister Porter said.

“We need many voices in the community giving a consistent message that violence against women, in any form, is never acceptable. We are all part of the solution. We can, and we must, play our role in breaking the cycle of violence.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au