The Territory has shown its support for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, running until 10 December, by calling on the Commonwealth to include paid domestic and family violence leave in the National Employment Standards.
Leading the call, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette Berry said she had once again written to Australian Minister for Industrial Relations, Michaelia Cash about including the 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave in the Employment Standards.
“Domestic and family violence is a workplace issue, it can happen to anyone,” Ms Berry said.
“It impacts all aspects of society and needs to be publicly acknowledged rather than kept hidden,” she said.
Ms Berry also called on the Canberra community to “unite in orange” as part of this year’s theme, Orange the world: End violence against women now, and to take action to make the ACT safe for all.
“Gendered violence is an epidemic and it takes a whole of community approach from the ground up to create long-lasting change,” she said.
“Concerningly, we know that during the pandemic many women experienced violence from their partners for the first time.
“The next 16 days provide an opportunity for the Canberra community to take a stand and share the message that violence against women in any form is not OK.”
The Minister encouraged Canberrans to start conversations about gender-based violence with their families and friends.
“Learn more about the facts and what you can do to help,” she said.
“Let’s make gender-based violence a thing of the past,” Ms Berry said.
Help for people experiencing domestic and family violence is available from the Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 6280 0900 and 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
