The worsening problem of Domestic and Family Violence in Australia

So far this year, 58 women/children have died through domestic and family violence in Australia.

Along with that terrible record:

• 1 in 5 women (22%) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

• 1 in 2 women (53%) has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

• In most incidents of workplace sexual harassment, the harasser was male.

• Women are at increased risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner during pregnancy.

• 1 in 4 women are hospitalised due to domestic violence and sexualising violence abuse by intimate partners.

• Hospitalisations due to spouse or intimate partners is 6 times higher for women than men.

• Domestic Violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

• On average one women is murdered by her current or former partner.

• In 2021-22, 5,606 women, an average of 15 women a day, were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence.

• 73% of women are abused by cyber violence.

Rotary clubs across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are conducting a campaign to Say NO to Domestic and Family Violence and YES to Respectful Relationships.  Rotary clubs in NSW are in partnership with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Rotary clubs in the ACT will be working with ACT Policing and engaged agencies dealing with the consequences of  domestic and family violence. 

The objectives of the national Rotary campaign are to:

1.    Raise awareness,

2.    Educate youth,

3.    Support agencies that assist victims of Domestic & Family Violence,

4.    Promote positive and respectful relationships.

National Launch on 15 November 2023 at Parliament House, Canberra

Rotary’s National Campaign to raise awareness of domestic and family violence will be launched at Parliament House on 15 Nov 2023 by Minister Justine Elliot in the Speakers Courtyard.

A Day of Action against Domestic and Family Violence across District 9705 on 1 December 2023

We will all wear purple on the day.  Purple shirts can be ordered from HERE

And we will be joined by other organisations such as Zonta, St Vincent de Paul and YWCA.