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The
Body Shop Applauded for Tackling Difficult Social Issues.
The
Body Shop has once again demonstrated their commitment to the safety
of women and children with their recent ‘Stop Violence in the Home
Campaign’. “It is fantastic that this organisation takes on
domestic violence and brings the issue out into the open with the
general public – but most importantly shows governments that the
people of Australia are appalled by the violence and want it to
stop” said Ms Pauline Woodbridge, National Chair of WESNET, the
National peak advocacy body working on behalf of women and children
who experience domestic and family violence.
Last
years’ campaign raised approximately 110,000 signatures on postcards
that were presented to the former Minister of Family and Community
Services (now FaCSIA). “This year’s campaign is asking people
to complete a short community attitude survey and The Body Shop has
produced a leaflet with information about children and domestic
violence. It is important that people understand the extent of the
violence in our society and numerous negative effects on children”,
said Victorian WESNET representative Ms Julie Oberin. “WESNET’s
own publication ‘Making Children Count: Children, Violence,
Homelessness and the Law’ (2005), shows that children are the
largest client group in the homeless service sector and when both
violence and homelessness are present in a child’s life, the adverse
impact on their well being is even greater” she said.
“Violence
against Indigenous women and children had been well documented and
publicised” said WESNET's Indigenous representative Shirley
Slann. “Aboriginal communities are predominantly children under
the age of 15 and when they are constantly exposed to violence it
denies them the basic chance for health, happiness and prosperity and
leads to a range of other social, health and legal issues”.
Domestic
violence remains a massive social and legal problem affecting the
women and children across
Australia
. The recently released Personal Safety Survey 2005 (ABS) showed that
it is women that bear the brunt of the violence. These findings are
backed up by all the research. “Poor health, homelessness and
poverty are outcomes for women and children experiencing violence from
their husbands, partners and fathers. No violence is acceptable or
should be tolerated” said Ms Lindy Edwards, Queensland WESNET
representative.
“The
Body Shop’s Campaign demonstrates concern for an issue others would
prefer to ignore” said Ms Woodbridge, “Their involvement
adds to the many voices of women from all backgrounds who are
repeatedly saying domestic violence must stop. We commend The
Body Shop for its social conscience and its particular commitment to
raise funds to support children who experience domestic violence.”
For
media enquiries contact WESNET Representatives
Pauline
Woodbridge, National Chair Mob 0419 739 774
Julie Oberin,
Victoria
0419 539 346
Lindy
Edwards,
Queensland
0417 722 717
Shirley Slann, Indigenous 0408 436 061
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