01/05/2026
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
It is a time to raise awareness and focus on the actions and systems that shape safer, more respectful communities.
Prevention is not only about responding after harm has occurred. It is about addressing the attitudes, behaviours and inequalities that can drive men’s violence against women and children.
The scale of the issue makes that clear. In Australia, 1 in 4 women have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner since the age of 15. That includes 1 in 6 women who have experienced partner violence, nearly 1 in 4 who have experienced partner emotional abuse, and almost 1 in 6 who have experienced partner economic abuse.
At White Ribbon Australia, that is central to our work. We focus on primary prevention through schools, workplaces and communities, and we work to engage men and boys as part of the solution.
This Prevention Month, we are reminding communities across Australia that real change takes everyday action, stronger leadership, and a shared commitment to respect, equality and safety.
It also takes proper investment. If we want prevention to work, it has to be funded and backed like it matters.