White Ribbon

Australia's campaign to stop violence against women

White Ribbon is an organisation that works to prevent male violence against women.

It is a male-led campaign that believes that most men are good and that good men abhor such violence. White Ribbon also believes in the capacity of the individual to change and to encourage change in others.

Through primary prevention initiatives and an annual campaign, White Ribbon seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate violence against women.

Violence against women is a grave problem in Australian society. One woman is killed every week by a current or former partner. One in three women over the age of 15 report physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives. And domestic and family violence is the major cause of homelessness for women and their children, and a recognised form of child abuse.

Violence against women also places a massive financial burden on the nation. In the 2009 Time For Action Report, KPMG estimated that violence against women and their children cost the Australian economy $13.6 billion annually. This number is expected to rise to $15.6 billion within the decade.

White Ribbon works to stop this insidious violence.

Need advice or support?

Contact the Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 1800 015 188 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for:

support, to talk about how you're feeling and what your options may be
information on family violence support services, legal rights and accommodation options.

White Ribbon Statement

It is with profound sadness that the board of White Ribbon Australia informs the community and supporters that it has taken the very difficult decision to close its doors.

This decision became necessary following an analysis of the organisation's future sustainability.

White Ribbon Australia has been proud to serve alongside so many dedicated partner organisations, grassroots communities and government in the important work of ending men's violence against women.

We want to acknowledge those communities around Australia who have been part of the White Ribbon movement - from the dedicated staff, Ambassadors, Advocates, and Committees, to schools and teachers, sports clubs, workplaces and individual members of the community.

For all those who are already planning for White Ribbon Day, we encourage you to continue with those plans alongside the international White Ribbon movement. Continue to raise your voice.

Even though White Ribbon Australia's journey ends here, we know that the work of our partners and communities will continue. Eliminating men's violence against women must remain a priority.

For further information about the liquidation of White Ribbon Australia Ltd please contact Worrells Solvency & Forensic Accountants on 02 8844 1200.

White Ribbon sold to Perth group

White Ribbon, the symbol for ending men's violence against women, has been sold to Communicare, a Perth-based organisation that has provided domestic violence services for more than 20 years.

The liquidators of White Ribbon Australia, which collapsed with losses of about $1.3 million, said Communicare had bought the failed company's intellectual property and remaining assets.

The sale was welcomed by the founder of the global White Ribbon movement, White Ribbon Canada, which had previously expressed " serious reservations' ' about any plan to sell any intellectual property associated with the movement.

"It is reassuring that Communicare , whose values and commitment align so well with the White Ribbon movement, will provide substantial experience and strong governance to the important work of White Ribbon Australia,'' White Ribbon Canada executive director Humberto Carolo said.

" We look forward to collaborating with Communicare, together with local community stakeholders including women's organisations, to challenge and support men and boys to realise their potential to be part of the solution in ending all forms of gender-based violence.''

The transfer of the White Ribbon brand will also help repair the relationship between the White Ribbon movement and the broader antiviolence sector. Before it collapsed, White Ribbon Australia was criticised for its high-cost , corporate model, " tokenistic' ' approach towards advocacy and failure to accept gender inequity as a driver of violence against women. The charity was also hampered by a churn of chief executives and board chairs.

Communicare chief executive Melissa Perry said her organisation would provide White Ribbon with a secure future in Australia.

" We couldn't imagine Australia without a White Ribbon campaign,'' she said.

" White Ribbon Australia aligns with our values and reflects our long-standing commitment to eliminating violence against women and children. As a White Ribbonaccredited organisation and school, we've seen first hand how accreditation provides tools to strengthen a culture of respect, accountability and gender equality at all levels of the organisation.''

Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants partner Aaron Lucan, the Sydney-based liquidator, said there had been strong interest in reviving the brand.

Entitlements owed to White Ribbon Australia's 28 former employees have been referred to the federal government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee Scheme. The liquidators are also examining whether the company traded while insolvent.

Article source: The Age Digital Edition: White Ribbon sold to Perth group
This article is from the November 23, 2019 issue of The Age Digital Edition.