Australia provides practical support to end violence against women

Today is White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

While violence against women is a global problem and requires global solutions, Australia is not immune. Nearly one in three Australian women experience physical violence and almost one in five women experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

Australia has zero tolerance for violence against women and is committed to reducing violence against women in Australia.

As well, Australia contributes to international efforts to eradicate violence against women.

Violence against women limits women’s social, economic and political participation. It also places a burden on health, policing and justice systems.

Today Australia announces over $5 million over six years to support the vital work of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre plays an important role in training and mentoring community organisations throughout the Pacific to improve services available to women who are victims of violence. It also coordinates a Male Advocates program where men speak out against violence against women in their communities.

Support for the work of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is a major initiative of the framework outlined in the Stop Violence: Responding to Violence against Women in Melanesia and East Timor report, released in August this year.

For more information about White Ribbon Day (www.whiteribbonday.org.au) and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence(www.ausaid.gov.au).