In a world drenched in violence, there are some men trying to make a positive difference, and among them are Australian role models in sport, media and comedy. Last Friday White Ribbon Day (www.whiteribbon.org.au) saw men swearing to ‘never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women’.

It’s a clever use of swearing but, as the White Ribbon crew know, there is much more work to be done in terms of education and psychological repair. On the north coast the Men and Family Centre (www.menandfamily.org.au) offers support programs for both men and their ex-partners. In Byron Shire artist Colin Heaney is to be congratulated for the support he has given the White Ribbon program.

White Ribbon Day is officially the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the UN regards violence against women as a ‘global pandemic’.

The Australian minister for the status of women, Kate Ellis, said, ‘We need to pull the issue of family violence out of the shadows and challenge the notion that this is a “private” issue. And this means standing up against violence in all spheres of our lives whether it be at home, in our schools, neighbourhoods or workplaces.’

Next Sunday the Byron Shire Committee Against Domestic Violence (BSCADV) will be the charity of the Day at the Byron Bay markets, collecting donations during the 16 Days of Activism campaign to end violence against women. According to BSCADV, funds raised ‘will go towards the “Escape Fund” used to assist women to escape their situation, to secure their property or to help them get back on their feet financially. Women in need of assistance can contact the Women’s Resource Service on 6684 4299.’

And, my oath, swearing should not be restricted to one day of the year. Real men out there: try it on for size.