The cost of violence is too high for us to ignore

“The release of Glenn Inquiry report into the rising costs of family violence is sobering and timely,” says White Ribbon Campaign Manager Rob McCann. “The violence can’t be ignored and this report is a further wakeup call that we need to do more.”

The White Ribbon Campaign is preparing to launch its annual November campaign to highlight the role men can play in reducing the violence, and will focus on men taking The Pledge ‘to never commit condone or remain silent about violence towards women.”

“As an organisation, our focus is on the prevention of violence,” says Mr McCann, “so we hope the report encourages funding decisions that can effect a change in both attitudes and behavior.

“That means creating opportunities to encourage men to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

“Too often, men are aware of behaviour that is unacceptable and leads to violence. Too often we do nothing because we do not want to interfere in what has traditionally been seen as private.

“As men, we have to move past that idea and realise that reducing violence is everyone’s business,” says Mr McCann.

The campaign is asking men to take The Pledge because it proactively encourages men to get involved and become active in ending family violence.

“Most men are not perpetrators,” says Mr McCann “and the focus of this year’s campaign is to activate those men and get them involved and influencing other men’s behavior.”

“No matter what way you look at it. Spending up to 7 billion a year on the effects of family violence is not a smart move. It’s time to invest in prevention.”

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