Australian of the Year Rosie Batty delivered a powerful speech about family violence at the National Press Club in Canberra today, sparking waves across Australia and causing ‘Rosie Batty’ to trend on Twitter within hours.
In the space of an hour and a half, she criticised the government’s handling of domestic and family violence, dropped some terrifying new stats on attitudes towards women, and launched a media awards scheme for reporting on domestic violence.
She’s proposing a change in terminology – family terrorism – thanks to the “amazing” government response to all things terrorism related.
“So let’s start calling it family terrorism, and perhaps we start to see that investment of funding being applied where it needs to be,” she said.
Rosie Batty says we should to start calling family violence “family terrorism” to get the government to invest in it. pic.twitter.com/DgaU2ZL7mA
— Alex Lee (@alex_c_lee) June 3, 2015
She even handled a question directed at her about our very own Minister for Women, Tony Abbott like a pro, handling it with more grace and less eye rolling than the average person.
“I think we are seeing a well-intended Minister for Women, but we are not seeing strong leadership,” she said. “[There’s] conflict in decisions that are made, giving voice to support for victims of violence, but on the other hand a lack of funding and making cuts to essential frontline services.”
Geez, Rosie Batty is impressive #npc
— Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) June 3, 2015
Batty’s 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by her violent partner, since when she’s become one of the biggest voices in Australia against family violence. “It’s is the biggest social issue that we have,” she said. “Why is it that we have only just started to talk about it?”
Batty – along with Our Watch – is looking to change that, by awarding excellence in domestic violence reporting.
“I challenge every single media outlet to include links to services such as 1800 RESPECT so women know where to get help.”
‘When they pick up the phone someone must answer it’ @RosieBatty1 on need for increasd funding for family violence frontline services. #npc
— Janet Rice (@janet_rice) June 3, 2015
Batty called domestic violence a gender issue. She explained that one in six people think that women who say “no” really mean “yes”, one in four young men believe that controlling and violent behaviours are signs of male strength, and one in six 12-24 year olds believe “women should know their place.”
It’s nothing short of horrifying.
Rosie Batty says one in six 12-24-year-olds believe women should know their place.@OurWatchAus pic.twitter.com/pbmpeYa48L
— Alex Lee (@alex_c_lee) June 3, 2015
In parting, she left the crowd with this sobering truth bomb on male privilege:
“You know, as men and as women we are born with our views of life from the moment that we breathe. You have your male sense of privilege and entitlement that you view through your lens. You don’t know any different. As a woman, we know our place.”
Consider the mic well and truly dropped.
Domestic violence is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing physical or sexual abuse, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
via The Guardian
Photo: Lisa Maree Williams via Getty Images
