According to Counting Dead Women Australia 2024, there have been 66 women killed by intimate partner violence this year.
That is more than one a week and there are five weeks left before the year is over.
Zonta Beaudesert is galvanising the community to end violence against women and girls as part of their 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The 16 days are significant. The campaign begins with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on November 25, and ends on Human Rights Day, December 10.
Zonta Beaudesert members have placed ‘Orange Ladies’ around Beaudesert, Canungra and Jimboomba to raise awareness of the campaign.
Several events will be held during 16 Days of Activism and Zonta President, Ellen Logan, urged readers to check Zonta’s Facebook page for details.
As part of their campaign this year, Zonta Beaudesert asked several prominent businessmen in the community to share their thoughts about domestic and family violence and the work Zonta does.
Murray Dover: “I support Zonta in its quest to end domestic violence against women.”
Jon Krause: “Zonta tireless advocates for victims of domestic violence and supports them with essential support services. I have seen the hard work and countless hours put in by local volunteers to support this work and raise awareness about this scourge on our society. Having an organisation like Zonta doing this work in our local community is something we should not take for granted. I commend them for their dedication.”
Stephen Craven: “My experiences have fueled my passion against domestic violence. I firmly believe that we, as a society, must come together to confront this epidemic, challenge cultural norms that enable abuse, and provide support for survivors. It is essential to foster open discussions around healthy relationships, ensuring that future generations are educated on the importance of mutual respect and understanding. Australia must stand united with a clear and unwavering stance against domestic violence. Together, we can work towards a future where no one must endure the pain and suffering that I witnessed in my own home. Violence in any form is unacceptable, and it is time to hold abusers accountable, advocate for survivors, and create a society where love is synonymous with safety and respect.”
Jason Pacey: “Zonta plays a vital role in the Beaudesert community by advocating for women’s rights, issues facing women in our rural community, and gender equality. The organization’s efforts in raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting women’s health have made a significant impact to Beaudesert, fostering a safer and more inclusive community. Having personally supported a number of Zonta fundraising activities by volunteering and supporting staff to attend, I have seen first-hand the sense of community that Zonta creates both for members and guests. By empowering women, Zonta contributes to the overall well-being and progress of Beaudesert, making it a better place for everyone.”
Rod Walker: “Unfortunately violent behaviour is becoming more normalised on social media and media in general. This desensitises young people to what should be deemed by all of us as grossly abnormal behaviour. Everyone should be able to live free from the fear of violence including especially in their own homes.”
Tim Walker: “I support Zonta Beaudesert and their campaign in standing up against Domestic Violence. Education and support are very important tools to help this issue into the future. Having a Beaudesert PCYC will mean young people in our area can access both of these things to help end this abhorrent issue.”
Luke Barber: “I 100% support Zonta in its quest to end domestic violence against women…..There is no excuse to ever hit a women!”
John Powell: “There are many benchmarks and statistics used to grade the quality of our lives, our living standards and our community today. However the most telling and damning statistic is the increasing scourge of domestic violence. How can we as a society think that we are making advances and improvements in our living standards when the numbers of domestic violence cases increase almost every year? Surely we must all speak up and act now. I call on all community leaders to join in this initiative……..SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!”
Jim Logan: “I hope that my granddaughters and their kin will enjoy a life without the scourge of domestic violence.”
Ellen Logan: “We need to raise and teach our young children to respect others and not be violent or harm your partner and children.”
Shayne Probert: “I want my daughters to grow up in a world where they dont live in fear of the person/people that are meant to love them unconditionally. Domestic Violence doesn’t discriminate…..which is why we must stand together and say NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!”
