Women’s Health Information

Domestic Violence is just not on!

White Ribbon Day is held internationally on the 25th November. It is a day that has been set aside as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It is a day that will be recognised each year around the world and it gives an opportunity for all departments, governments, businesses and community groups to focus on this problem that affects so many people in Australia and the world.

As I write this I am astounded to learn that one in four women will experience a violent relationship at some time during their lives. I personally have seen inside refuges for women because my daughter was there due to a violent relationship. Many of the women who go to these places to get away from the violence often return to the home only for it to happen again.

I grew up listening and witnessing domestic violence scenes and other events that even now are too painful to discuss but the memories always stay with you. It is easier to forgive some say, but it is hard as hell to forget….

I learnt that my daughter was being abused by her gambling boyfriend. He would beat her up because they ran out of money and he couldn’t feed his addiction. It angers me that he could attack a young girl of just eighteen because she couldn’t feed his addiction.

I didn’t know the full extent of that violence until she wrote her story for me which you can read here…

I know of many women who have suffered at the hands of men who think they have the right to overpower women, but at the same time it is not just those men that do this. Family members abuse women, and the children. But at least the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is a start and hopefully all forms of domestic violence will be noticed more… and eliminated as much as possible…

Of course domestic violence is a terrible thing, the devastation it causes and the results can be fatal… and there are many casualties… which often include children. Emotional blackmail is another form of violence, although some many not recognise it as such…

However domestic violence and mental and emotional blackmail go hand in hand. Death threats, putting someone down, telling them they are not worthy of being cared for, scared into not saying anything, telling a woman or child that they will not be loved or cared for by others…

Scaring them into not walking out that door… it is all part of domestic violence…

For details on White Ribbon Day events or where to purchase a ribbon, visit UNIFEM Australia - White Ribbon Day

For more information on Eliminating Violence Against Women (White Ribbon Day) click here….

Toni