‘No More’ violence against women rallies are raging throughout Australia in 2024. Everyone from federal, state, community, rally leaders, and more, have gone in boots and all to not only shine a light on the devastating attacks and heavy loss of female lives this year but for action-based leadership to now do the talking.
The government is looking to take on the advice of the National Women’s Safety to implement nationally consistent high-risk perpetrator interventions.
From open dialogue between police services nationwide, to bail reforms to better protect women from ex-partners, stalkers, strangers, madmen, and even a national family violence register, big change is coming.
More Epidemic than Crisis
This is a crisis, so immediate implementation is needed. Action starts now. No political grandstanding but a collaborative effort to not only ink a safer world forward for women, but to tattoo it onto our souls.
With one woman being killed every four days so far this year because of violence, this issue is more an epidemic than a crisis and needs urgent deliverables.
We also need all males to step up everywhere and give direction, a voice, and titanic support to women. We need men talking openly with sons, brothers, work colleagues, or mates, to continue to bring attention to this matter.
The Workplace Bullying and Violence Connection
Looking back at last week’s blog on workplace bullying, there is still plenty of crossover between these traits leading into something more sinister after office hours. Stalking and harassment in the workplace do lead to dire consequences for women away from work. We just have to go back to the Celeste Manno or Lilie James case for recent proof.
Many questions are raised when dissecting the safety of women in the workplace and out, such as:
- How can women feel safer at work? This fact sheet has it sorted.
- What are the responsibilities of employers when it comes to women’s safety?
- What are the responsibilities of colleagues who witness workplace bullying?
- When is it “crossing the line” at work?
Time to Take Action
Are you currently feeling unsafe in the workplace or anywhere? More acute help and protection is rapidly evolving, but for now, follow these key steps:
- At the office? Contact HR immediately.
- Contact the police to escalate if needed.
- Reach out to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
- Talk to the Commonwealth FairWork Ombudsman or WorkSafe.
The five key demands of No More rally leaders are potent and proactive and must be actioned. From declaring violence against women as a national emergency, media regulation on the publishing images of victims, #BelieveMe: mandatory victim blaming prevention training, alternative reporting options due to a phobia of police stations, plus specialist courts focusing on domestic, family, and sexual violence.
And we can’t neglect way better funding because enough really is enough.
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