Today I opened up a news feed to see that a 7-week-old baby is in critical condition after being assaulted by a male. The
As a society, we have to ask ourselves how we can protect our most vulnerable? Our disabled, our women and most significantly our children are the ones that we as a progressive society need to care for. Measures need to be put in place, and our duly elected representatives, i.e. The Government need to step up and provide leadership, protection and solutions where they are most required.
The issue of domestic violence is a bi-partisan one. Whatever side of government you are on doesn't matter. It's a national issue and its one which needs addressing more than ever.
Frightening numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggest that:
Domestic violence does go both ways. Men can, although not often, be the victims too. For the purpose of this article, the focus has been on women, and the numbers surrounding them and they are frightening.
Our homes should be our sanctuary, our safe place. When we close those doors, we should feel secure and protected. For millions of women and children, this clearly isn't the case. Their homes are places of fear, of violence, of suffering. It isn't enough to mourn the victims when they are gone. We need action, and we need it now. This violence against women and children HAS. TO. STOP.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and need help or support, please contact one of the support hotline numbers below.
Call 000 for Police and Ambulance help if you are in immediate danger.
1800RESPECT
Call toll-free 1800 737 732
Lifeline
Lifeline has a national number who can help put you in contact with a crisis service in your State.
Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can call 13 11 14.
I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of sledger. ‘It’s not a game, it’s a shame’ has been coming from my mouth quite regularly these past few days. It’s easy to sledge when you’re winning and aren’t we just! It’s a gold rush and it’s all the Aussie way. And it brings out the worst in me. I can’t help it. It’s my competitive nature coming out. But last night, as my 6-year-old did the ‘Dab’ that Usain Bolt is so famous for and chanted my words, I thought ‘perhaps it’s time to reign it in a bit’.
Imagine waking each morning trying to maintain hope amidst growing debt and the feeling you’ve failed your family’s legacy while jeopardising your children’s future.
You couldn’t have written a more dramatic plot twist really. Just 33 days before the US Presidential election the leader of the free world contracts the very virus he once predicted would simply disappear and described as no worse than the flu - a virus that has killed over 210,000 Americans.
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