Aaron Violi: Liberal MP calls for Australian men to stand up to end domestic violence

Liberal MP Aaron Violi has called on Australian men to stand up and act to end domestic violence in a powerful speech to Parliament to mark the start of 16 Days of Activism.

The Casey MP labelled the deaths of 74 women in the past year to domestic violence as “shocking” and declared Australian men had to step up on the insidious issue.

“We need to understand. It’s not just the women of Australia that have a role to play,” Mr Violi said, insisting domestic violence was ultimately a men’s problem.

“The men in this place, the men in communities, have a role to play.

“We need to call out inappropriate behaviour of our friends, of our colleagues, of our workmates.

“We need to show courage and call it out when we see it. I don’t believe that men are evil. I have to live in hope.

“We need to understand that there is a better way and there is a different way.

“We can’t change what people have done but can we intervene with the younger generation? Can we stop this violence occurring at an earlier age?

“There are so many people in society impacted by this. Just because you can’t solve a problem overnight, it doesn’t mean that you stop trying. We can make a difference. We will make a difference.

Mr Violi said all men needed to understand “violence is not acceptable in any circumstance.”

“Hopefully one day, there are no more names to be read out,” he said.

Mr Violi is one of several politicians from across parties who joined together last week to launch the Parliamentary Friends of Healthy Masculinities group.

It includes Independent ACT Senator David Pocock and Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi.

Mr Violi said, “early intervention” was key and that it was critical to engage with younger generations in conversations about healthy masculinity, including conveying that ‘it’s OK to share your weaknesses, it’s OK to be vulnerable’”.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au