Addressing family violence demands a resolute commitment from government and from the broader community.
Tonight, Premier Will Hodgman and Police Commissioner Darren Hine will reaffirm their personal pledges as White Ribbon Ambassadors at a “White Ribbon Night In” event in partnership with New Town High School.
White Ribbon Night In events provide an opportunity for leaders in the community, government and schools to discuss how we can prevent family violence by standing up and speaking out.
Mr Hodgman said more than ever before, the Tasmanian Liberal Government was working to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to family violence, better support affected families, and strengthen legal responses.
“These are the three priority areas of Safe Homes, Safe Families; the State’s first family violence action plan, which I launched in August last year,” he said.
“Men have to take an unequivocal position that not only strongly condemns violence against women and children, but also says we won't excuse or remain silent about it, or negative attitudes that might lead to it. That's what the White Ribbon cause is all about.
“The Government’s support of the White Ribbon campaign includes a staged commitment for our agencies to undertake the workplace accreditation program.
“Under the Safe Homes, Safe Families Action Plan, we are also delivering education programs in our schools to support students to build healthy, respectful and equal relationships and address attitudes and behaviours that can lead to family violence.
“We are investing an additional $25.57 million in initiatives under our family violence action plan, and we are progressively rolling these out around the State.”
Mr Hine said the prevalence of violence against women cannot be understated – as almost two women are killed every week in Australia by a current or former partner.
“Most men aren’t violent, but the vast majority of acts of family violence are perpetrated by men against women. Men have to take responsibility,” he said.
“This financial year to date, from July 1 2016, Tasmania Police has attended 280 reports of Family Violence, they have issued 116 Police Family Violence Orders and Family Violence Orders, with 95 Tasmanian children being reported as exposed to these incidents.
“As the Commissioner of Police, a White Ribbon Day Ambassador, a husband and a father, I am committed to reducing the impact of violence against women, their children and the impact violence has on individuals and the community.”