Australia observed its 12th annual White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and a day focused on ending domestic and men’s violence against women.

This year, more than ever, the government was determined to prove itself committed to finding a solution to an issue that had been ignored for too long.

Here are the five most important government responses on White Ribbon Day:

1. The Australian Government has pledged to provide $6 million over the next three years to the United Nations Trust Fund to Eliminate Violence Against Women.


The United Nations Trust Fund to Eliminate Violence Against Women is administered by UN Women, the United Nations entity responsible for promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. The Trust Fund will be used to provide grants to both government and non-government organisations to help prevent and respond to violence against women.

2. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has asked the country to challenge male attitudes towards sexism and violence.


Recent research shows an alarming amount of victim blaming, and reluctance to place blame upon males for their behaviour. The Prime Minister has called the findings of the government sourced research into domestic violence “utterly unacceptable”. He explains that the conversation in this country regarding domestic violence must include uncomfortable truths, including how lighthearted sexism, jokes, and gender inequality all contribute to the larger problem.

3. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that state public employees would get a minimum of 10 days paid domestic violence leave annually.


South Australia is also offering their public employees 15 days of paid domestic violence leave annually. Paid domestic violence leave is designed to provide support to victims and ensure they are able to remain in employment while taking positive action to break the cycle of violence,leave their abusers and start their road to recovery.

4. Similarly, Opposition leader Bill Shorten announced that, if elected, a Labor government would provide five days of paid domestic violence leave annually.


Social Services Minister Christian Porter has confirmed that the current Government is open to Labor’s proposal for a week of paid domestic violence leave.

5. The Australian government will launch a $30 million dollar awareness campaign in 2016


In addition to the campaigns, 2016 will also see the introduction of new laws for Family Court proceedings that will better protect the victims of domestic violence. The campaign will be focused on providing education and awareness, particularly to younger Australians. This will coincide with the introduction of domestic violence education and education on healthy relationships into the NSW high school syllabus in 2016.

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