Men’s violence towards women in the surf, on the street, at home, or anywhere, is undeniably unacceptable.
In Australia, women continue to die at an alarming rate from domestic violence. This year already, 58 women have been murdered. It’s more than one woman per week.
It’s an epidemic. It’s femicide. It’s men’s problem and men are the only ones that can fix it.
But for every bad man there are ten good ones.
As a female surfer of 30 years, it is only a handful of times that I have been subject to a male’s aggression in the surf. But with each incident, another man, or men have come to my aid, had my back and ensured my safety. Men have shared their waves, let me drop in and apologised when I have clearly been in the wrong. Surfing with men is entertaining and inspirational. But unfortunately, for sport in the ocean, just like sport on the football field, testosterone-fuelled violence does exist. Not only towards women but more commonly and dangerously towards other men. Without a doubt, women cannot stop men’s violence without the help of men.
We need men to say ‘no’, when violence, sexual harassment, disrespect and gender inequality is witnessed.
We need men to call out their mates, peers and colleagues when they witness abuse, sexual harassment and disrespect towards women. To all good men, please continue to watch our backs, stand with us, walk beside us and keep us safe. You are appreciated and we are grateful.
To all our fathers, brothers and sons, please raise good men, protect and honour your mothers, sisters and daughters and be active bystanders and leaders in a society that never tolerates violence against women and children. We will support you when you bravely enter harm’s way to protect us. We have your back.
We thank you.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
