White Ribbon Ambassadors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, and Race and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said that today's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was a vital awareness day that contributed to very real and important outcomes.

"In the work we do, we are confronted on a regular basis with the realities of domestic violence and violence against women," said Commissioner Calma. "It is certainly the case that violence against women is very often a manifestation of wider social problems, but there is absolutely no excuse for it, and I think it sends a powerful message when more and more men are prepared to stand up and say they are against it on White Ribbon Day."

"The White Ribbon Day initiative is not only critical for the message it sends to the community, but there is tremendous value in so many men, whom young boys and teenagers see as role models, making this statement and thus, making a formative impression that young males will be likely to carry with them throughout their lives," said Commissioner Innes. "The positive impression a campaign like this makes on young males should not be underestimated."

Commissioners Calma and Innes noted that violence against women was not tied to demography, geography, wage size, race, religion or belief, but crossed all walks of life and all communities and community locations.

The Commissioners said that violence against women was a major problem in our society and that one of the greatest strengths of the work of the White Ribbon Foundation Australia was its emphasis on changing behaviour.

Tags: White Ribbon Day