Speaking out against violence towards women

White Ribbon Day was created in response to one man's massacre of fourteen women in Montreal.

A recent global survey conducted by The Body Shop has shown that women who are experiencing domestic violence are far more likely to confide in a friend than seek assistance from authorities such as the Police.
The Body Shop has teamed up with White Ribbon, an international campaign eliminating violence against women, to call on Australians to be a true friend by helping someone out of an abusive relationship.
According to data from the ABS one in three Australian women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime .
Of the women surveyed by The Body Shop, 71% claim they would confide in a friend, while only 37% would turn to official authorities such as the police or a support group (23%). More than a quarter (27%) of women said that they wouldn't know where to get help if they were in a violent relationship.
The Body Shop is lending a hand to these people with free wallet-sized information cards for customers to share with friends, or family members, which offer advice, tips and support options for people experiencing or witnessing domestic violence.
"We hope this campaign will encourage all Australians to take action, listen to a friend, and speak out if they know someone who is experiencing violence in their home or in their personal relationships," said Andrew O'Keefe, White Ribbon Foundation Chairman.
The cards are available in all stores from Monday 21 July to Sunday 3 August and offer a variety of information, such as:

• Types and levels of abuse
• How to spot a friend in an abusive relationship
• Ways to help friends experiencing domestic violence
• Identifying the warning signs that children may be exposed to domestic violence
• Unique issues same sex couples may experience
• Tips for dealing with negative emotions
• Ideas for men to help stop violence against women

Customers also have the opportunity to purchase a Shea Butter Lip Care Stick Duo , which has a unique 'one for me, one for you' format, designed especially for sharing with a friend. It might be a good way of breaking the ice and having a conversation with a friend you feel might be in an abusive relationship.
"Domestic violence is an issue that is closely linked to The Body Shop's core values of defending human rights and activating self esteem, and is something we have been actively campaigning about since 2004," said Adam Valvasori, Values Manager for The Body Shop Australia.
"We hope that by educating our customers, we will come closer to breaking the taboo of silence that surrounds these evil crimes in our society," Mr Valvasori added.
"This is one of the most widespread and serious abuse of human rights in Australia today, and yet most people don't see this as being relevant to them," Andrew O'Keefe added.
"Men play a critical role in this process, as they shape the attitudes of other men, and what is socially acceptable. That is why it is vital that we all speak out about domestic violence," said Andrew.
Proceeds from the sales of the Shea Butter Lip Care Stick Duo will go to the White Ribbon Foundation's work in schools, TAFE colleges and Universities to achieve a change in attitudes and behaviours in young boys and girls when building respectful relationships and using non–violent solutions.

The White Ribbon Campaign

View photos of the 2009 Coastal Walk