By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CASUAL sexism sits at the root of gender inequality perceptions fuelling rates of family violence, according to a leading anti-violence campaigner working to drive down rates of abuse against women and children in Cardinia Shire.
Fiona Cost, co-ordinating the three-year Together We Can initiative, said it was no longer enough for people to avoid making derogatory comments and jokes – they also have the responsibility of calling out those who do.
Her advice comes as the municipality takes on its biggest ever fight to end the rising scourge of family violence.
“If we laugh at a sexist joke or comment (maybe even out of embarrassment), and do nothing about it, then we become part of the fuel for a society that disrespects people who are of the opposite sex, or of a different sexual orientation,” she said.
Casual sexism can be any term with implied gender inferiority including calls such as, “you throw like a girl” or “stop being a sissy”.
Each hold negative connotations about the worth and capability of women, working to socially undermine women – contributing to levels of disrespect, and dangerously, gendered abuse.
“Unfortunately some people then take sexism even further – to the point where gender and family violence occurs,” Ms Cost said.
“We can no longer sit on the sidelines and by our comments or lack of comments say it is okay to discriminate.”
Discrimination in the workplace carries significant penalties – some punishable by law.
Ms Cost said it was time similar behaviours carried out in the home, within clubs, schools or in the general community attract like disincentives.
“We have the right to feel safe and be treated with respect in these environments too,” she said.
“I think it is worth challenging our own behaviour, and that of others, for the children who are constantly learning from us adults.”
Ms Cost encouraged everyone in the community to start speaking up against those who fueled the family violence crisis.
Conversations may evolve around describing what gender equity looks like, what impact gender inequity has on children and how each of us can personally improve gender equity.
In April, the Together We Can initiative was launched to help fight rates of family violence in Cardinia Shire.
It vowed to roll out short-term and long-term initiatives to harness victims with the information, support and strength needed to leave a violent relationship as well as bolster prevention, early intervention and reformation services for perpetrators.
Family violence reports in the region jump to an average of four per day in 2014-’15, giving Cardinia Shire the second highest number of recorded family violence incidents in the city’s south-east.
Close to half of those incidents were witnessed by children.
For more information on the Together We Can initiative, visit togetherwecan.org.au or join the Together We Can Facebook group.
Anyone who is experiencing family violence can phone the safe steps 24/7 Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188.
