Ending violence against women and girls

White Ribbon Month 2024

Written by Tabitha Veness – Converge Clinical Manager

Violence against women is a significant global issue, affecting millions of women and girls. Statistics show approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. This includes violence from their intimate partner, sexual violence, trafficking, and child marriage. Most violence is perpetrated by a partner the woman is intimate with.

What is violence from an intimate partner?

When a woman is under threat by their intimate partner, they are caught in a situation where the person they must rely on is also the person they most fear and can be their greatest danger. Home becomes a treacherous place where every thought and every behaviour centres around the person using violence.

Such violence impacts a woman’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health.  The consequences go beyond the instances of violence and ripple through each woman’s life, impacting their children, families, friends, and work colleagues. While, globally, many countries have implemented laws and measures to combat violence against women, there is more work to be done.

White Ribbon Month 2024 – It starts with me. It starts with men.

White Ribbon Month, observed on November 25^th globally and on November 19^th in Australia, is dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women and promoting gender equality. This event is part of a broader movement that encourages men and boys to take an active role towards preventing gender-based violence, emphasising the importance of healthy, respectful relationships with women and girls.

White ribbons are worn as a pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women. This year, we are asking, “How can men make change?” and challenging men and all Australians to ‘Learn, Give and Take Action.’ Specifically in the UK, this question has been encapsulated in a single message/theme for White Ribbon Month 2024, which reverberates worldwide: ‘It starts with me. It starts with men’.

The role that men and boys play in gender-based violence

While all men are not violent, statistics do show that most violence perpetrated against women is by men. Therefore, for change to occur, men need to be actively involved in the solution. Such change requires harmful masculine norms and behaviours that contribute to a culture of violence to be challenged. This is where men can hold other men accountable for inappropriate behaviour, support gender equality, and promote positive change, from which we can all benefit.

Supporting your colleagues in the workplace

For women experiencing violence at home, getting support from their workplace can be very helpful. However, supporting a female staff member who is experiencing violence at home requires a sensitive, supportive approach. For example, many women experiencing violence at home may be shocked to be in that situation, and they may feel shame or embarrassment for somehow being in that position.

Anyone experiencing violence at home is aware of their situation. They know what actions and behaviours can help keep them safe or put them in danger from the violent person in their lives. It may be tempting to encourage a victim of violence to end the relationship; however, this could create more risk for the person or be too big a step to contemplate without adequate resources in place. So, if a colleague advises they cannot safely end the relationship, respect their decision.

How to approach a colleague

As a work colleague, you can make a difference by opening the conversation using a non-judgemental, empathic approach that sees the woman as the expert in her life. It is important to:

1. Create a safe and confidential space to talk openly. Remind them they can talk to you without fear of judgment or repercussions.
2. Listen and validate their concerns and situation without interrupting. Do not give advice.
3. Provide resources, including information about local domestic violence shelters, hotlines, and counselling services such as Employee Assistance Programs.
4. Encourage professional support, including counsellors trained in domestic violence or contacting a domestic violence hotline.
5. If your team or organisation would like more information on how to support work colleagues experiencing violence at home, organisations, including your EAP, can offer specific training and support on this. Such guidance can include how to develop policies that protect the confidentiality of a staff member experiencing violence at home and how to maintain a supportive work environment that promotes safety, respect, and support for all employees.

White Ribbon Month 2024 gives us the opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work still needed to end violence against women. By engaging men and boys, promoting gender equality, and striving for a culture of respect, we can take significant steps toward a safer, more equitable world. Everyone has a role to play to ensure we can create lasting change.