How Can Young Australians Address Domestic Violence?

Trigger warning: This article deals with violence against women and abusive relationships.

On average, two Australian women are killed each week as a result of domestic violence. We recently wrote that young people need to lead the charge against such violence. But how? One member shares their advice.

Young Australians have the power to change the culture of society; to create a culture of understanding towards the victims of domestic violence (both male, female and neutral) and promote a no-tolerance culture towards the abusers of domestic violence.

This can be done in several ways. Firstly, young Australians can talk to their local council representatives by calling, emailing or even sending letters about what they see as important: addressing domestic violence in public. By having their voice heard and hopefully echoed by local representatives, it is so much easier for young Australians to promote their values and attitudes on issues prevalent in society; issues that they want to be addressed.

Secondly, young Australians can join and support groups such as Reach Out and White Ribbon, which aim to provide safety and support to victims of domestic violence. By increasing support for these groups, domestic violence can become a more widely discussed topic in society and one that can be dealt with in the limelight, its truths and myths exposed. This would hopefully encourage and embolden victims of domestic violence to seek help.

Thirdly, young Australians can contact the local media to discuss these topics. It is so important that the currently taboo topic of domestic violence be brought to light and dealt with in a public manner. By using the avenues of social media - Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr - or other forms of media such as advertising, television, newspapers, and magazines, domestic violence can become a more talked about issue. By becoming a more widely discussed issue, real action can take place, and those who suffer from domestic violence or who know somebody who suffers from domestic violence can seek help and guidance openly without having to be ashamed or scared.

It is 2015, Australia. Wouldn't it be great to see some real, positive change? Wouldn't it be great to have an Australian culture of people who care for and accept domestic violence survivors? Wouldn't it be great to be able to call ourselves a culture of understanding?

If you are in an abusive situation please seek help:

Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit Reachout.com

Congratulations to Sirling for winning this writing challenge, answering: How Can Young Australians Address Domestic Violence? Sirling wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!