Talking to boys about respect this White Ribbon Day

Today is White Ribbon Day – an awareness day that aims to stop violence against women by asking men to stand up, speak out and act for the women in their lives, as violence against women is a man’s issue too.

Violence against women is a national crisis. According to White Ribbon Australia: 

• 1 in 3 women will experience physical and/or sexual violence, usually at the hands of a man that they know, in their lifetime.
• 1 in 4 children are exposed to domestic violence.
• On average, 1 woman a week is killed by a current or former partner.
• The perpetrators of violence against women are usually male.

These are scary statistics for mothers and fathers of daughters, and of sons.

So today, let’s wear a white ribbon, let’s make a donation, but most importantly, let’s talk to our sons about respect. Because disrespect is at the core of violence.

Whether you’re a mother, father, uncle, grandparent or teacher, this article by Australian parenting expert and father Dr Justin Coulson offers some practical age-appropriate tips for teaching boys to respect women.