It was White Ribbon Day  on Friday  – 25 November 2011

http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/  

On White Ribbon Day 2011, disturbing & frightening statistics  were released on the level of violence in Pacific & Melanesian communities. According to press reports,”Violence against women & exploitation of girls…..is endemic,with rates of abuse & rape now among the worst in the world”.

“In PNG 67% of women are beaten by their husbands….with gang rape and pay-back rape common……..In Fiji,66% of women have been physically abused by partners,26% while pregnant……..A Vanuatu survey found 60% of women had been subjected to violence….a staggering 90% of those suffered ‘severe violence’,with one in five receiving a permanent disability”.

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/pacific-women-suffering-in-terrible-silence-20111124-1nwwf.html