27.
27 women have died at the hands of their intimate partner so far this year, we are only six months through.
It pains me.
There are many good people working very hard to address the issue and policy reform is at the front of mind for those in politics.
But 27?
Sometimes, I scroll through social media feeds and wonder if I shouldn’t have chosen a more palatable fixation than the rights of women and girls.
It seems a lot easier to draw a crowd if you are spruiking a sexy lip kit, puppies or ‘Scandanavian minimalism’ than progress for women.
I can remember being a kid of primary school age and crossing paths with strong influential women such as Quentin Bryce.
She was kind to chat with me before meeting with my dad (who was in politics at the time) they were speaking about policy reform for women.
It was the 80s and violence against women was a huge problem in this country.
Decades have passed so why are we not making greater inroads on this issue of violence?
Why have children lost their mothers, 27 women despite the work of Rosie Batty as Australian of the Year?
The hashtags are going viral yet it’s not translating.
One of the not-for-profits at the front line of supporting women in Victoria is the incredible Safe Steps.
Last year there were:
91,057 calls to the 24/7 response phone lines.
29,000 bed nights in safe emergency accommodation.
9,709 women and children provided with safe emergency accommodation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
On Sunday 24th June, 2018 Safe Steps will hold a wonderful afternoon tea at RACV City Club in Melbourne.
I am very proud to be MC, the event begins at 1.30pm – 4.30pm. It strikes me as a great opportunity for people across Victoria to get their friends together and make an afternoon of it.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/VTQN
When was the last time you and your friends saved a life together?
Come along to the safe steps Family Violence Response Centre ‘safeTEA for women’ and you’ll be helping raise vital funds to provide emergency accommodation and support for women and children escaping family violence.
This high tea with a purpose will include delicious pastries, sweets and bubbles, plus a silent auction, raffle and entertainment by The Voice’s Kelsie Rimmer.
All proceeds will help women and children escaping family violence. So go on, gather your friends for a great afternoon supporting a good cause!
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/VTQN
24/7 family violence response phone line
1800 015 188
I encourage you to come along and learn more about what they do! Make sure you say hi.
Have a wonderful week and thank you again for supporting Engaging Women for all these years.
If you would like to contribute to the family violence conversation please mail me: martine@engagingwomen.com.au.
“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. For more information about a service in your state or local area download the DAISY App in the App Store or Google Play.”