Medical community supports ending violence against women

Medical community unites to support ending violence against women

Media Release

24 November 2015

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is one of 22 medical colleges and peak health bodies in Australia and New Zealand who have released a joint statement in support of the White Ribbon Day campaign.

RACP President, Laureate Professor Nick Talley said the joint statement demonstrates the commitment of the health and medical sector to the elimination of violence against women.

“Members of our organisations in both Australia and New Zealand will today be wearing white ribbons in their workplaces to demonstrate their support for the White Ribbon campaign to colleagues, patients and clients,” he said.

“This will highlight their willingness and availability to discuss this sensitive and difficult issue with women experiencing violence in their lives,” he said.

Violence against women is a widespread issue in Australia and New Zealand. Up to a third of women in both countries experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes, according to a 2013 World Health Organization report.

Professor Talley said the male-led White Ribbon campaign to end men’s violence against women sheds light on this often unspoken problem.

“Every day, the medical community sees first-hand the devastation and health impacts associated with violence against women,” he said.

“There is a terrible impact on physical and mental health. Health and medical professionals want their clients and patients to know that we are here to listen and to help.”

Professor Talley echoed White Ribbon Day’s vision for all women to live in safety, free from all forms of men's violence.

“Violence against women might often go unspoken, but the health and medical community is united and committed to helping to combat this scourge and break down the barriers that prevent necessary conversations from taking place,” he said.

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