95. Ending Men's Violence Against Women and Children with Allan Ball

Trigger warning: Domestic Violence  Welcome to Episode 95 – Ending Men's Violence Against Women and Children with Allan Ball   Domestic Violence is a major issue in Australia that can present in many different ways. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, online and financial forms of violence and abuse. And the statistics show that 95% of all victims of violence, whether women or men, experience violence from a male perpetrator. So why is this case? And what can we do to turn things around? In this episode I will be talking specifically about domestic violence perpetrated by men against women and how it results in a tragically high loss of life every year. Helping me delve into this and discuss how we as men can be part of the solution to address violence against women and children is fellow social worker and National Director at White Ribbon Australia, Allan Ball.   Over the last 15 years, Allan has led social movements, frontline service delivery and international community engagement projects to assist women and children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse. He has previously worked for Local Government, State Government, Federal Government and the Corporate Sector; and is now the National Director of Australia’s largest social movement encouraging men to intervene in, and advocate for, an end to men’s violence against women and children.   In this episode, Allan shares: -      What exactly is a ‘change agent’ and what do they do? -      Just how bad the domestic violence problem is in Australia. -      How his father was a trailblazer in raising children -      The ways we can include men in the discussion to help prevent domestic violence. -      The reasons Australia is struggling so much with domestic violence. -      The double standard of committing violence against female partners but not others. -      How an unregulated digital space influences the toxic traits that can grow domestic violence. -      What men can do now to help make the change.   Key quotes: “Men do choose violence because they feel like they can get away with it.”   “Collectively we’ve shaken the finger at men and said hey you're just the problem. Instead of indicting men we need to invite them into the conversation.”   “What we know is in these online communities, is that once you’re in there, is it becomes your world and when you’re only seeing a certain perspective that becomes your norm .”   More about Allan and White Ribbon   Find out more about what White Ribbon does here: https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/ You can also follow White Ribbon on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiteribbonaustralia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiteribbonaust/ The barbershop resource Allan mentioned can be found here: https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/barber-shop/ You can follow Allan personally on linkedin: linkedin.com/in/allanjball   For more from Mindful Men Check out the website at www.mindful-men.com.au   Join the Mindful Men Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594   You can also follow us on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: @mindful.men.aus Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help*** Cheers, Simon