This year in Victoria at least 13 women and 4 children have died from violence (credit: Australian Femicide Watch). What all these women have in common is that they were allegedly killed by men known to them.
Just days after the vigil for 21-year-old Jayda Allen Bonner in Carlton, we saw a violent attack on an elected representative, Dr Helen Haines outside her electorate office. It is little wonder that women hold grave fears being in or running for elected office. As a society we need women in public office; we don’t want to see attacks such as this deter women’s leadership and representation.
This violence doesn’t come out of nowhere. Online, women are regularly abused and threatened with injury, rape, and death. When racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism, ageism and many other forms of discrimination are embedded in rhetoric, including political debate, we are putting people and their families at risk, especially women.
At home and in relationships across our communities, women are being monitored, dominated and controlled. And now we are seeing misogyny rise as the single biggest indicator of violent extremism in Australia.
We are seeing the very real consequences of that misogyny. We are in the midst of a national crisis of family and sexual violence that is killing and harming women, children and gender diverse people. People are hurting and scared of the level of violence in our communities.
As we head into an election in Victoria, family and gendered violence advocates are calling for leadership. Our plea is for leaders across the political spectrum to support the prevention of gendered violence and understand what you say has an impact on the safety of people in your communities. The words you choose to use and the words you do not challenge matter.
Political leaders have influence and they can set the tone, but the commentary that surrounds political debates holds just as much weight.
As we head into an election that will take place across 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, here is an invitation, particularly to the men of Victoria: do not let misogynistic, violent commentary stand on your feeds. Challenge it where you hear or see it. Don’t be silent. Show your solidarity, allyship and support for people who are at the receiving end of violence in our communities.
For politicians across the political landscape, remember that action is what Victorians are looking for in the form of sustainable funding to end violence, support, consultation and collaboration with specialist services, lived experience experts and the communities particularly impacted by this violence.
And it requires everyone involved in political debate to raise the tone.
Women, children, and people of all genders and from all walks of life have a right to safety. Violence thrives in silence, yet the words you choose to use can incite hate. Choose your words and actions wisely for the safety of Victorians.
Endorsed by: Women's Health Grampians