Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson has said the launch of the third phase of the Stop it at the Start campaign is an opportunity for the regional Victorian community to play a role in helping to break the cycle of violence against women.
Phase three of Stop it at the Start was launched on International Women’s Day by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Minister for Families and Social Services Senator the Hon Anne Ruston.
The Stop it at the Start campaign aims to help parents, family members, teachers, coaches, employers and other role models to reflect on their own attitudes and have conversations with young people about respect.
Senator Henderson said the $18.8 million third phase of the campaign encourages adults to “unmute” themselves and empowers them to take actions that will have a positive influence on the attitudes and behaviours of young people.
“Violence against women continues to affect individuals, families and communities across Australia, and this must change,” Senator Henderson said.
“Collectively we can set the standard for what is acceptable and what is not, by unmuting ourselves and calling out disrespectful attitudes and behaviours.
“We must start having conversations about respectful relationships with the young people in our schools, on the sporting field, working in our businesses and in other settings.
“If we all come together as a community, we can make a positive change for the future of regional Victoria”, Senator Henderson said.
Phase three of the campaign will be rolled out across television, cinema, online, outdoor, digital and social media from Sunday 14 March.
In addition, a suite of tools and resources will be available online at www.respect.gov.au to help parents and other adults to model positive behaviours and start a conversation about respect with the young people in their lives.
Stop it at the Start is an initiative of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
The national campaign is jointly funded by Commonwealth and the governments of South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
Note to media: Broadcast-quality television commercials and high-resolution versions of other advertisements are available at https://www.respect.gov.au/the-campaign/media/
9 March 2021