At the Women’s 8th annual International Women’s Day breakfast, our keynote speaker, Rosie Batty AO, shared a powerful message: the only acceptable number of deaths from family violence is zero.
The former Australian of the Year shared her story of strength and grief since losing her son, Luke, to family violence. Luke was murdered by his father 11 years ago.
Rosie said her experience is sadly not unique: “Around 30 per cent of the population has experienced violence from an intimate partner since age 15.
“I ask you all to remember that behind every statistic, there are children, families, partners and friends who have lost a loved one in the worst possible way.”
She went on to question why gender-based violence is still such a cultural and systemic issue in Australia.
“To truly prevent gendered violence, we must confront a hard truth. Violence against women and girls is driven by our cultural norms, our systems and our society.
“If this wasn’t true, we would have solved it by now.”
Gender inequity is a healthcare issue
Rosie joined the Women’s Board in 2019 because of the hospital’s strong history of advocating for women.
She pointed out that pregnancy is a time when women are most at risk of experiencing family violence from their male partners.
“A visit to a health professional can be the first, and sometimes only, opportunity that people experiencing family violence receive intervention and support.”
Thanks to Rosie's advocacy over the past decade, family violence has been brought out into the open and is now a mainstream issue.
Victorian Minister for Health, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas, noted this also applies to stigmatised women’s health issues, like chronic pain.
The Women’s Chief Executive, Prof Sue Matthews, continued the sentiment of committing to change and breaking the cycle, when vulnerable women need it most.
“Family violence is a health issue, and so is gender inequity,” said Sue. “It’s time for a new approach that’s dedicated to women’s health.”
A day for action
Chair of the Women’s Board, Cath Bowtell, reminded attendees of the significance that International Women’s Day has to our hospital.
“International Women's Day has a legacy of activism. For the Women’s, the day is an opportunity for real advocacy and progress.”
More than 330 members of Victoria’s health, community, government and corporate sectors attended the breakfast event on Thursday 6 March.
Thanks to our principal partner, DECJUBA and supporting partner, HESTA.
