Media Statement from Police Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand: Police Commissioners take a stand against violence against women and children

Police Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand stood together today (24 November 2014) at Parliament House in Canberra to reaffirm their united commitment to address the scourge of violence against women and children. The Police Commissioners provided the following statement.

Today we are standing together as male leaders in the Australian and New Zealand communities to take a stand on violence against women and children.

It is unacceptable that many women and children continue to experience violence in the community.

One in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and alarmingly this figure has not changed in a decade. In New Zealand, one in three women will experience partner violence at some point in their lives. These are appalling statistics and a stark reminder of how much work we need to do. We can’t do it alone.

This does not begin to describe the profound trauma and suffering our children experience when they are affected by violence

We know that most violence against women and children occurs in the family and domestic context. This includes the hidden aspects of sexual assault and child abuse.

We recognise that not all men are violent. However, the vast majority of acts of violence against women and children are perpetrated by men.

Most importantly, all men have the capacity to make a difference and help prevent violence against women and children.

We need to work together as a community to challenge behaviours and attitudes that condone violence or sexism.

Today we are asking the community to stand up and speak out.

People often make excuses for violence and police hear these every day.

It is never a victim’s fault.

It is never ok to use violence and we won’t accept it.

We don’t want you to accept it either. You have a role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of people in your life, and you can challenge sexist comments and attitudes that support violence.

We all need to model the behaviours that create a respectful community. The best way is to lead by example.

If you hear, see or know of someone who is a victim of violence, stand up and speak out.

If you hear or see sexist comments or behaviours, stand up and speak out.

It may only be some people who perpetrate violence, but we’re all responsible for taking action and making it stop.

It’s time to take a stand.

Police Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand

Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, APM (Spokesperson, Victoria Police)

Commissioner Andrew Colvin, AO APM (Australia Federal Police)

Commissioner Andrew Scipione, APM (New South Wales Police Force)

Commissioner Mike Bush, MNZM (New Zealand Police)

Commissioner John McRoberts, APM (Northern Territory Police)

Commissioner Ian Stewart, APM (Queensland Police Service)

Commissioner Gary Burns, APM (South Australia Police)

Commissioner Darren Hine, APM (Tasmania Police)

Commissioner Dr Karl O'Callaghan, APM (Western Australia Police)

Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers, APM (ACT Policing)

##ENDS##

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