BPW Australia strongly supports the work of White Ribbon Australia. International White Ribbon Day marks one of the most concerning problems facing society today. All Australian governments have taken a strong zero tolerance approach to domestic violence and are taking significant steps toward reducing all forms of violence against women and children. The effects of domestic violence reach beyond the home and into schools and the workplace. Eliminating all forms of violence against women and children is one of the most compelling moral issues of our times.

BPW congratulates the Australian Government on its announcement of a $30 million campaign against domestic violence and the introduction of legislation to provide greater protection for victims of violence in court proceedings as well as greater discretion for courts on the length of time interim parenting orders can be applied. The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, said "we have to stand up and eliminate all violence against women, and men have to take the lead". He emphasised the importance of respect by  men and boys toward women and girls as a vital driver of the cultural change we must see before domestic violence can be purged from the community.

Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, spoke to almost 1000 guests attending this year's Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast. She said that it is shameful that in 2015 almost 80 women have lost their lives at the hands of their partners, and that "there are many people living in fear, and possibly their lives will never be the same". Ms Batty emphasised the urgency of action needed by government and across the Australian community at all levels.