Violence against women is an epidemic and demands a united community approach to end it.

Women in Australia are three times more likely than men to experience violence at the hands of a partner. One woman in five has experienced sexual violence. One woman in four had experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.

This is not, however, a “women’s problem” - it is a challenge that belongs to the whole community and must be a top priority for all governments. 

Today, we will make a public pledge as elected representatives across all three levels of government to say no to violence and invite the Newcastle community to join us in saying Not in Our Community.  

Together, we pledge to :

• stand up to all forms of violence against women and children.
• challenge the beliefs and behaviours that excuse, justify or condone violence and inequality.
• work with our neighbours to create safer, more inclusive communities for all.

We invite you, your family, friends, workmates and neighbours to join us and sign the pledge to say that violence against women is never OK and has no place in our community.       

When:            Monday, 26 October
Time:             7:45 – 8:15am
Where:          Wheeler Place, Newcastle
Who:             Join Sharon Claydon MP - Federal Member for Newcastle, Senator Claire Moore - Shadow Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison MP - Member for Charlestown, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Assault, Tim Crakanthorp - State Member for Newcastle, Cr Nuatali Nelmes - Lord Mayor of Newcastle. 

Federal Labor has committed to deliver a $70 million package that ensures that those suffering from family violence can access critical services when they need them.

It includes:

• $50 million to frontline legal services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services to ensure women suffering from family violence get legal support. 

• An initial investment of $15 million in Safe at Home grants to help people affected by family violence stay safe in their own home.

• Labor will also invest $8 million in perpetrator mapping to look at the interactions across family violence, law enforcement, justice, child protection and related systems to help identify opportunities to prevent violence through information sharing.

*If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:
“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000”