Speaking Notes for Ambassadors (September 2014)
Background
These notes have been developed as a general resource for all Ambassadors who are
speaking publically on behalf of White Ribbon. The notes are accompanied by a PowerPoint
presentation that can be re-ordered or have slides removed to suit the style of each
Ambassador, their audience and the length of their presentation.
The notes are divided into nine sections:

Section 1: Help uncover secrets – page 3

Section 2: About White Ribbon – page 4

Section 3: White Ribbon at a glance – page 5

Section 4: Violence against women – page 6

Section 5: The cold, hard facts – pages 7 and 8

Section 6: How the campaign works in Australia – pages 9, 10 and 11

Section 7: Why we engage men – page 12

Section 8: How you can help – pages 13 and 14

Section 9: The Oath – page 15
Each section contains:

A piece of narrative that can be read out – in italics

Additional dot points should Ambassadors wish to provide more information

Other suggestions for increasing audience participation and engagement
Using these notes
Simply copy and paste the desired narrative, additional dot points and suggestions into a new
document. In addition, you should find an appropriate space in the presentation to tell your
story – why you are passionate about this area and why you became a White Ribbon
Ambassador.
If you are asked questions that are outside your knowledge or the contents of these speaking
notes, it is better to err on the side of caution:

Say that you’re unsure of the answer

Direct people to the White Ribbon website – www.whiteribbon.org.au

Offer to find out for them – you can contact the White Ribbon Ambassadors Team on
02 9045 8444 or ambassadors@whiteribbon.org.au
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Using the PowerPoint
The PowerPoint has been designed specifically to support the narrative and the dot points
and suggestions in this document. In order to use the PowerPoint:

Type your name into the space indicated on Slide C

Re-order and remove slides to suit your talk

Save the PowerPoint to a CD or memory stick
For assistance
For technical or other assistance in relation to this document and accompanying PowerPoint,
please contact the White Ribbon Ambassador Team at ambassadors@whiteribbon.org.au or
on 02 9045 8444.
The notes and PowerPoint can be found at
www.whiteribbon.org.au/ambassadorsonly/presentation-tools-and-templates.
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SECTION 1: HELP UNCOVER SECRETS
Narrative
In 2013 White Ribbon Australia launched its Australia, Land of Secrets campaign. This
campaign invites people to uncover the secret of violence against women through a range of
online, print, television and radio materials.
This online ad is a great way to kick off your presentation.
Version 1 – to be used after playing the Australia, Land of Secrets online ad.
Play ad first.
My name is [insert name] and I am a White Ribbon Ambassador. Today I invite you to help
uncover this secret.
Version 2 – to be used without the Australia, Land of Secrets online ad.
Australia is the land of secrets: our beautiful landscape, our stunning wildlife and our bustling
cities. One of our best kept secrets is that over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed
every week as a result of intimate partner violence.
My name is [insert name] and I am a White Ribbon Ambassador. Today I invite you to help
uncover this secret.
Additional points

White Ribbon Australia launched the Australia, Land of Secrets campaign in November
2013 to bring awareness to the issue of violence against women. This campaign was
developed by White Ribbon to feel like an Australian tourism ad, encouraging the
audience to marvel at the country’s beauty and its undiscovered secrets. Amongst the
stunning scenery, Australia’s dark secret is revealed: “One Australian woman a week
dies from an act of domestic violence.”
Other suggestions

PowerPoint Slide B supports this section

Add your name to PowerPoint Slide C
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SECTION 2: ABOUT WHITE RIBBON
Narrative
On the afternoon of December 6, 1989, a young man walked into a university in Montreal,
Canada, armed with a semi-automatic rifle and a hunting knife. He entered a classroom,
separated the male and female students, stated that he was “fighting feminism” and opened
fire. Six women were killed in that classroom; a total of 14 women were murdered that day.
His actions traumatised a nation and highlighted the issue of violence against women around
the world.
In 1991 a handful of men in Toronto launched Canada’s White Ribbon Campaign, an annual
violence against women awareness-raising event held between November 25 and
December 6, the anniversary of the Montreal massacre.
Eight years later, in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 25 the
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with the now-iconic white
ribbon as its symbol.
White Ribbon began in Australia in 2003 as part of UN Women, it formally became a
Foundation in 2007 and in 2013 was renamed White Ribbon Australia. It is now Australia's
only national, male-led, campaign to prevent violence against women.
White Ribbon believes in the goodness of most men. It believes that good men reject violence
against women and are willing to act to prevent it. White Ribbon believes in the capacity of
the individual to change and to encourage change in others.
The Campaign is focused on primary prevention. In other words, it works to change our culture
to stop the violence before it occurs, with activities in schools, workplaces and the broader
community.
Additional points

25 November was chosen at it is the anniversary of the assassination in 1960 of the
Mirabal sisters - three Dominican political dissidents who opposed the dictatorship
of Rafael Trujillo.
Other suggestions

No specific information has been included in a PowerPoint slide for this section as it is
anticipated that it will be used as part of the verbal introduction to the presentation.

Use PowerPoint Slide C as a holding slide.
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SECTION 3: WHITE RIBBON AT A GLANCE
Narrative
The size and impact of White Ribbon can be seen through these key measures (as at August
2014).

2014 marks the 11th year of White Ribbon in Australia

2,300 male Ambassadors across Australia

84,000 employers reached through the Workplace Accreditation Program

110,000 students reached through Breaking the Silence Schools Program

Over 800 events around Australia in 2013

Over 80,000 people involved in the online campaign.

2,676 media mentions in November 2013 alone.

Over 2.4 million people reached through social media
Additional points

Nil
Other suggestions

PowerPoint Slides D and E support this section.
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SECTION 4: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Narrative
The 1993 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women defines
violence against women as: “…any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to
result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of
such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private
life.”
It’s important to note that violence does not just refer to physical acts, but also to nonphysical acts including emotional, verbal and financial abuse, sexual discrimination and forced
isolation.
Additional points

Forms of violence include:
domestic violence
family violence
wife bashing
intimate violence
sexual violence
sexual assault
rape
marital rape
date rape
indecent assault
sexual harassment
incest
elder abuse
genital mutilation
enforced prostitution
forced abortion
forced motherhood
verbal abuse
put downs
emotional abuse
financial abuse
spiritual abuse
forced isolation from family
forced isolation from friends
corporal punishment
Other suggestions

PowerPoint Slides F and G support this section.

Instead of bringing up Slide E straight away, why not ask the audience to define
violence, then use Slides E and F to support and/or add to their ideas?
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SECTION 5: THE COLD, HARD FACTS
Narrative
Violence against women is a grave problem.

Over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week as a result of intimate
partner violence.

Domestic and family violence is the principle cause of homelessness for women and
their children.

Violence against women is estimated to cost $14.4 billion to the Australian economy
per annum.

Intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to death, disability & ill-health in
Australian women aged 15-44.

One in five women experience harassment within the workplace.
Additional points

Slides H and I support these facts.

Below are comments from two White Ribbon Ambassadors, Ian and Arman, talking
about their experiences of violence against women:
o
Ian – from our 2013 Australia, Land of Secrets website
(http://www.uncoversecrets.com.au):
In 2002 my 16 year old daughter was brutally bashed by her ex-boyfriend. It was
only sheer luck, hard work and good timing that her life was saved. She suffered
horrific injuries and was left with severe brain damage.
When she finally woke after 3 weeks, the specialists told us our daughter would
be left in a vegetative state for the rest of her life. I made a conscious decision to
not give hatred or revenge a second thought as they are too much of an energy
consuming emotion. I would need all my focus and energy to help my daughter.
Thankfully she made a good recovery and after 2 years, 9 months she was able to
come home.
Now I’m an Ambassador for White Ribbon and my daughter and I travel across
the country doing talks together. We have spoken to over 20,000 Secondary and
Uni Students, Police and Health Care workers. We hope sharing our story will help
others who have or are being affected by violence against women.-boyfriend.
o
Arman – from our 2013 Australia, Land of Secrets website
(http://www.uncoversecrets.com.au):
My story is the tale of a strong and courageous woman whom I call “Mum”. She
was my world and her children were her world. Having an abusive father didn’t
allow for a very fun childhood.
Witnessing and experiencing this abuse first hand has up to this very day left my
sisters and I traumatised. The threats and abuse escalated as time went on, until
my mother decided to stop the reign of terror.
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My mother, sisters and I packed a bag each before we fled our family home. It
was a sad day to leave a place that we all made and called “home”. But with this
sadness, came a sense of relief, comfort, safety and happiness.
My mother created a safe bubble for us all but this bubble was burst when she
was murdered by her estranged husband, a person whom I used to call “Dad”.
Now my sisters and I are trying to re-create that safe zone my mother had
created for us. After living through such an horrific experience, it was hard for all
of us to find comfort again.
Other suggestions

Consider pre-arranging for one or more members of the audience to read the two clips
(eg. a workplace leader, school teacher, etc). This may give the words an added
poignancy.
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SECTION 6: HOW THE CAMPAIGN WORKS IN AUSTRALIA
Narrative
There are six ways of being part of the primary prevention work undertaken by White Ribbon
in Australia:
1.
Ambassador
2.
Advocate
3.
Workplace
4.
Schools and Young People
5.
Partner
6.
Supporter
Ambassadors
White Ribbon Ambassadors are men who recognise the importance of men taking
responsibility and playing a leadership role in preventing men’s violence against women.
White Ribbon Ambassadors are formal representatives of White Ribbon Australia who have
the knowledge, skills, attributes and determination to influence Australian men to critically
evaluate their attitudes and behaviours toward women.
Ambassadors demonstrate this commitment by:

wearing a white ribbon or wristband on White Ribbon Day and encouraging others to
do the same

sharing the White Ribbon message within their networks and through social media

highlighting the importance of respect for women and attitudinal change

nominating other suitable men as Ambassadors

hosting, attending or speaking at awareness-raising and fundraising events

encouraging community groups, local councils, workplaces, men’s organisations, sports
and services clubs to get involved in the White Ribbon Campaign, and

drawing on personal and professional contacts to extend the White Ribbon message.
Advocates
A White Ribbon Advocate gives expression to the White Ribbon Campaign, particularly at the
local level. This role gives women and men the ability to break the silence over men's violence
against women through the activation of people, networks and opportunities to make
violence against women a man’s issue too.
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Workplace
The White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program is a world first and aims to
empower and support workplaces to prevent and respond to violence against women. It calls
upon organisations to take steps to promote safe workplaces for women by adapting
organisational culture, practices and procedures.
The Program achieves this by:

Building workplace awareness

Increasing staff and managerial knowledge and skills to address issues of men’s
violence against women

Recognising proactive and innovative steps being taken by workplaces.
Organisations seeking accreditation are required to satisfy 16 criteria under 3 standards over
an 18 month period. Once assessed by an independent assessor, and accreditation awarded, it
is valid for 3 years
The Program is:

Winner of the ACT Partners in Prevention Awards 2013

Developed in accordance with the Best Practise Accreditation Standards

The result of a Pilot Project completed in April 2014

Independently Evaluated

170 Australian organisations have registered their interest to participate in the rollout
of the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program from 1 July 2014

The Program has reached over 84,000 employees so far – 55,000 being male staff.
Breaking the Silence Schools Program
White Ribbon’s Breaking the Silence Schools Program began in 2009 and has reached over 200
schools and over 110,000 students in ACT, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Due to the program’s
success, White Ribbon is now working on expanding this program nationally.
The program works to inspire principals to strengthen the culture of respect in their schools;
builds on existing personal development and anti-bullying programs; and provides training
and resources to school leadership.
Youth Forum
The White Ribbon Australia Youth Forum brings young people from across Australia together
periodically who advise us about strategies to empower youth to influence real and lasting
change in their lives and communities.
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Partnerships and Supporters
Organisations play a pivotal part in preventing men’s violence against women. Partnerships
are key to ensuring the success of preventing violence against women in a way that is
sustainable, strategic and effective. With the help of Partners and Supporters, we can grow
the influence and reach of the organisation and - most importantly - act to achieve the goal
of stopping men’s violence against women.
Raising awareness
Every year White Ribbon runs an awareness campaign about the issue of violence against
women and the role men play in preventing this violence.
In 2013-14, White Ribbon is encouraging all Australians to continue to uncover the secret of
men’s violence against women. The key statistic being used to gain people’s initial interest is
that ‘over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week as a result of intimate
partner violence’.
People can view this year’s campaign ad at www.uncoversecrets.com.au.
Additional points

PowerPoint Slide J supports this section.
Other suggestions

Nil
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SECTION 7: WHY WE ENGAGE MEN
Narrative
So, why does White Ribbon focus so strongly on men?
1.
‘Men’s violence against women is not just a women’s issue. It’s a social issue. It’s also a
men’s issue
2.
It’s a men’s issue because it is their wives, sisters, daughters and friends whose lives are
being harmed by violence and abuse.
3.
It’s a men’s issue because they need to play a pivotal role in helping to stop men’s
violence against women.
4.
It’s a men’s issue because men are in a unique position to speak out and step in when
male friends and relatives insult, abuse or attack women.
5.
And it’s a men’s issue because a minority of men treat women and girls with contempt
and violence, and it is up to the majority of men to create a culture in which this is
unacceptable.
Additional points

PowerPoint Slide K supports this section.
Other suggestions

In this section you can share your own reasons for being an Ambassador.
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SECTION 8: HOW YOU CAN HELP
Narrative
You don’t need to be an Ambassador or Advocate to contribute to the Campaign. There are
three key ways members of the public can help.
1.
Stand up to violence
Every day, you can:

Safely challenge the behaviour.

Talk to your mates about the issue.

Lead by example.
If you witness a violent act
If you witness a violent act, there are ways you can make a positive difference, without
endangering your own safety:

Call the police.

Be a witness. Stand far enough away to be safe but close enough for the violent
person to see you and be aware that they are being watched.

Get others’ support. Ask others who are nearby to help.

Verbally intervene. Tell the violent person clearly that their actions are not okay,
they are a crime, and you are calling the police. Ask the victim if they need help.
o
“Are you okay, do you need a taxi?”
o
Say something to the man: “Hey, what are you doing?” “That’s not on,
mate.”
o
Stick around to make sure the situation has cooled down.
o
Create a distraction – so that the abused person has time to get away or
the perpetrator slows down or ceases their violence. For example, ask a
man harassing a woman on the street for directions or the time.
Violence amongst your friends
If you're aware of violence amongst your friends, you can:

Talk to a friend who is verbally or physically abusive to his partner in a private,
calm moment, rather than in public or directly after an abusive incident. Tell him
that what you witnessed was not okay, and he needs to get some help.

Talk to a group of the perpetrator’s friends and, together, decide on a course of
action.

If you have witnessed a friend or colleague abusing a partner, talk to a group of
the victim’s friends and strategise a group response.

Talk to the woman – at some point – and let her know you saw what was going
on and you’re willing to help her.
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In situations when your friends are engaged in harassing or abusive behaviour, such as
sexually harassing a woman walking by, you can:

Distract your friends by saying something like “chill out, guys”.

Try to convince your peers to stop.

Walk away, signalling your rejection of their harassing behaviour.
Visit whiteribbon.org.au/whatmencando for more tips.
2.
Break the silence about violence
Violence against women is everyone's business. White Ribbon needs good men and
women to make some noise, to issue the “enough is enough” rallying cry. Consider:
3.

discussing the issue at every available opportunity, especially in public forums

posting a blog or writing an opinion piece on violence against women for your
local newspaper, and

using social networks like Twitter and Facebook to spread the message.
Grow the campaign
Use your influence to increase the campaign’s reach and get more people involved.
This could include:
4.

hosting a White Ribbon event and raising funds by selling ribbons and wristbands

completing fundraising challenges and nominating White Ribbon for corporate
charity events, and

become an Ambassador or Advocate
Seek support
If you, or someone you knows needs support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Additional points

PowerPoint Slides K to Q support this section.

You may wish to leave Slide P on the screen at the end of your presentation so that
members of the audience can note how they can engage with us through the web,
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Other suggestions

Nil
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SECTION 9: THE OATH
Narrative
Many thousands of Australians have taken the White Ribbon Oath. This is one of the simplest
ways that people can connect with the campaign and show their support’.

You can build a group Oath into your presentation, simply by reading the Oath in parts
and having the audience repeat it, or reading it as a group from the PowerPoint.

Participants should be encouraged to formally take the Oath on the White Ribbon
website.

The Oath: ‘i swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against
women
Additional points

PowerPoint Slide R supports this section.
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