What the hell are we doing wrong?

By ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTOR

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 man aged 25, alleged to be the baby's father is being charged with grievous bodily harm after inflicting severe injuries on the newborn. This absolute abhorrent crime comes off the back of news earlier this week about another young man, 24 years old, being charged with the murder of his wife, three daughters (or should we say babies as all were aged under four) and his mother in law.

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:

• One in six women (17% or 1.6 million) have experienced partner violence since the age of 15.
• One in four women (23% or 2.2 million) experienced emotional abuse by a current and/or previous partner since the age of 15.
• One in six women (16% or 1.5 million) aged 18 years and over experienced abuse before the age of 15.
• One in ten men witnessed violence towards their mother by a partner before the age of 15 (10% or 896,700)
• One in eight women witnessed violence towards their mother by a partner before the age of 15 (13% or 1.2 million)

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
24 hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. 
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.}