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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-12-05 Daily Xml
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Domestic Violence

Mrs POWER (Elder) (15:23): All across the world, people and community groups are marking the 16 Days of Activism with events, rallies and calls for action. Today marks the 11th day of the 16 Days of Activism. It runs from 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, which is international Human Rights Day. While these days are marked by the UN, it is the local campaigns and grassroots activities throughout these 16 Days of Activism that truly support the empowerment of women and girls throughout our communities and reach out in preventing violence against women.

I rise today to acknowledge those individuals and groups in our state who have volunteered their time, come together and worked hard to shine a light on gender inequality and violence against women and their children. I have attended some powerful community events held during these 16 Days of Activism. They were events that have provided not only an opportunity for us to unite our voices and speak out about violence against women but also an opportunity to hear from women and their children who have been impacted by domestic violence and from those people who are working on the front line every day to provide support, assistance and safety to women and their children escaping violence.

On Saturday 17 November, the Liberian-Australian Service Foundation, in collaboration with the African Communities Council of South Australia, the Australian Migrant Resource Centre, the Liberian Men of South Australia and Shamshir—A Human Rights Campaign, organised a march from Victoria Square to Parliament House. The march, known as 'Strides4Strength: a walk to end domestic violence' was well attended. It was quite an event, with the road closed off and the march led by incredible African dancers and drummers. To all those who organised this event and to those who participated in it, I congratulate you on not only the event, where we all chanted very loudly, 'No more violence,' but also on your work in your local communities day in, day out to challenge beliefs and attitudes that allow domestic and family violence to exist.

White Ribbon has continued to champion this issue with its annual White Ribbon Breakfast, which was held on Friday 23 November at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Thank you to the White Ribbon Breakfast committee, including convenors Cintra Amos and Gillian Lewis, for organising this incredible event. I would also like to acknowledge the panel of students who shared their experiences and what they are doing to create a place free from violence, starting within their own school community.

White Ribbon also held its fifth annual White Ribbon March from Parliament House to Victoria Square, and I would like to thank Lisa May and the White Ribbon March committee for organising a march that not only recognised the women and children who experience domestic violence but signified hope with a focus on prevention and change.

At the march, a young girl named Holly courageously told her story, saying that she did not fear the monsters under her bed; rather, she feared the monsters under society's bed and that monster is family violence. Thank you, Holly, for your moving words at that march. I would also like to acknowledge the mayor, elected members and staff at the City of Charles Sturt council and in particular Khadija, the Safe Communities Coordinator, for all their work in preventing and responding to domestic and family violence.

On Sunday 25 November, the council launched An Act of Love: A Portrait Story, which was a moving display of artwork and videos capturing those who have survived domestic and family violence. Following that emotive event, the next day the Spirit of Woman, a not-for-profit organisation, held a very special celebration unveiling its plans for a memorial to be known as The Place of Courage. The Place of Courage is the brainchild of Helen Oxenham, who was the driving force behind one of the first women's shelters in South Australia located down at Christies Beach. The Place of Courage will be a place of comfort and healing, promoting the courage to speak up and out and raise awareness, providing a powerful symbol of a peaceful and unified community.

It will be the first dedicated artwork and space in Australia to recognise and confront the impact of family and domestic violence and provide a positive catalyst for change. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Helen Oxenham, who has campaigned and worked tirelessly for women and children affected by violence. Her initiative is a way to ensure we will continue to shine a light on the impact of domestic violence for families, communities and our society. Thank you, Helen, for all the work that you do.

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