Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Tomorrow is White Ribbon Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence, particularly violence against women and children. I call on our community to continue to work together to stamp out such violence and encourage the wearing of a white ribbon to show your support.

Today in Parliament House, Prime Minister Abbott joined Australian and New Zealand police commissioners to declare that the prevention of violence against women and children is the responsibility of everyone in society. The 'stand together' event was hosted by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash. The coalition government has committed over $100 million towards the second action plan under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

Last Saturday night, I was very pleased to represent the Prime Minister at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation's Starry Starry Night gala ball. The foundation, chaired by John Bertrand, is doing a wonderful job in striving to protect children from violence and its devastating impact. Recently, I also attended Colac's White Ribbon Ball, a fantastic community event.

On average, one woman is killed every week as a result of immediate-partner violence and one in four children are exposed to domestic violence. People like Rosemary Batty, who lost her son, Luke, in the most tragic of circumstances, are an absolute inspiration. As a nation, as a community, we must do everything we can to stamp out violence against women and children.

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