The second phase of the national Stop it at the Start campaign to reduce violence against women and children has been launched.
Funded by Federal, State and Territory Governments, the campaign encourages all adults — parents, family members, teachers, coaches, employers, community leaders and other role models — to think about the impact of what they say and do, and talk to young people about respect.
Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer said the campaign was changing the way the link between disrespect and violence against women was understood.
“The statistics on this issue are shocking: One in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15.” Ms O’Dwyer said.
“This figure increases to nearly one in four women when violence by boyfriends, girlfriends and dates is included.
“It’s also concerning that one in four young people are prepared to excuse violence from a partner.”
She said the cycle of violence began with disrespect.
“Throwaway comments like ‘it’s just boys being boys’ or ‘he did it because he likes you’ can make young people think disrespect is a normal part of growing up.
“We need to ask ourselves — is that what we meant?”
She said that while not all disrespect ended with violence, the cycle of violence certainly started with disrespect.
“It’s good to remember that our behaviour is a powerful influence on others, particularly the young,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher said the first phase of the campaign — which launched in April 2016 — had been highly effective.
“Phase one advertisements were viewed over 43 million times online, with hundreds of thousands of shares on social media which prompted extensive online conversation,” Mr Fletcher said.
He said phase two advertising had begun and would run on television, online video, cinema, outdoor, digital, social media, radio and newspapers.
More information about the campaign can be accessed at this PS News link.
