In the summer of 1971 the Bank of NSW gave Australians first
loan to a woman without a male guarantor.
1973 saw Australia’s very first women’s shelter open for
women wanting to leave violent homes.
It wasn’t until the late 1980’s that rape within a marriage became
a crime in all Australian jurisdictions.
The last 40 years has seen women gain independence and freedom within society, this gain in power has seen resources
established for the ongoing support of woman in society. But even though women
of today have more support than ever to escape abusive relationships, it hasn’t
meant the abuse has stopped.
Often when we hear of a domestic abuse situation, we’re
quick to ask, why doesn’t she leave him? Instead of asking, why doesn’t he
stop?
White Ribbon Day tomorrow is a male led campaign that focuses
on violence against women.
“Domestic violence
includes physical, verbal, emotional abuse, stalking, abduction and confinement,
deprivation of culture and spiritual rights, humiliation, harassment, intimidation,
denial of access to money, resources, isolation from support, sexual abuse and assault,
including rape and incest, threat or actual abuse, and as part of the continuum
of violence, murder.” -NSW Women’s Refuge Movement
Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell, interviews the CEO of the NSW’s
Women’s Refuge Movement Tracy Howe and Jennifer on leaving a domestic violence relationship. Listen to it here on the link below.
AM
