Foundation Minute for Week of March 13

The statistics are sobering:  Intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence against women, affecting 30% of women worldwide, according to a 2013 World Health Organization report.  As many as 38% of women murdered are committed by an intimate partner. 

Recognizing the desperate need for domestic-violence services in their communities, Rotary clubs throughout Australia and New Zealand are fundraising and partnering with various charities to raise awareness and work on prevention and victim support:

The Rotary Club of Maryborough, Victoria, Australia is changing attitudes about domestic violence and generating positive community response with its multifaceted approach.  It began as a social media campaign and now includes community educational programs, and publicity events that have reached millions.   They developed a program called SAFE  - Support, Advice, Facilitation and Early Intervention  which is a collaborative approach that gives everyone in their communities a role in addressing family violence. 

The Rotary Club of Brighton, Victoria, Australia, launched Violence Free Families in 1995 after a local child’s violent death.  The club raised more than $750,000 for the program, which was endorsed by their district and supported by all 70 district clubs and Women in Rotary. 

The Path of Hope Foundation, a joint venture between the Salvation Army and the Rotary Club of Perth, Western Australia, provides safe accommodations for those fleeing family violence.  It also offers guidance and resources to help families overcome trauma and rebuild their lives. 

Contributions to the Rotary Foundation makes this happen.