White Ribbon Day 2018 is on Friday 23 November, and is Australia’s national day for raising awareness of men’s violence against women, and how to prevent it in your community and receive ongoing support.

A White Ribbon School is an overt symbol of a school’s commitment to building safer, more respectful and productive schools and communities. https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/day/resources

Why are schools important to stop violence against women?

Young people form behaviours, social skills and relationships during their time at school. During these formative years, ideas about men, women and their relationships are being learned. Exposure to harmful messaging and gender stereotyping can lead to attitudes that support inequality and disrespect towards women.

Breaking the cycle of violence

Schools play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of violence by teaching young people how to recognise and challenge violence against women and build respectful relationships. Breaking the Silence engages the wider school community to promote and role model gender equality and create a safe, inclusive school culture to stop violence against women. https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/stop-violence-against-women/get-school-involved/breaking-silence-program/

Holy Spirit Catholic School is proud to be recognised as a White Ribbon School.

It is everyone’s responsibility to “spread the word about respectful relationships and preventing violence”.