Today marked White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Anthony joined many other MPs in Parliament by wearing a White Ribbon.

White Ribbon Day is important because it allows men to say that they will not be violent or silent about domestic violence and sexual assault.

“I am proud to be an Ambassador for White Ribbon Day, to declare my opposition to any form of violence against women and to support work which prevents it from occurring and better cares for victims,” said Anthony Albanese.

It is an important day to reflect on the fact that:

• 1 in 3 Australian women experience domestic or family violence in their lifetime,


• 1 in 5 experience sexual assault and;


• Nearly half a million Australian women suffer violence each year.

The Rudd Labor Government is determined to reduce the incidence and impact of domestic and family violence and sexual assault.

The Government has appointed a national council in May this year to develop an evidence based action plan to reduce violence.

The National Plan will support the community to:

• Better support victims of violence;


• Ensure the legal system is effective; and


• Reduce violence for future generations.

This year the Government has:

• Committed to delivering $1 million to the White Ribbon Foundation to support and expand its activities in rural Australia over the next four years ($250,000 has already been provided)


• Committed $2 million to benchmark community attitudes on violence against women.


• Invested $500,000 in the Australian Institute of Criminology to undertake research into domestic related homicides. This will provide better information for early intervention programs to prevent domestic homicides.


• Provided $500,000 to fund 22 national and local projects to support victims of domestic or family violence.

“This work will make a real difference for women who are victims of violence and work to change attitudes in our society,” said Anthony Albanese.