THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JUST WON’T CUT IT. TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SAVE OUR FUTURE 💔 One man. Killed. Five women. Killed. And many more in hospital – including a baby, whose mum was one of those killed. All of this because of one man’s horrific violent actions at Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday. How we frame such actions, what we say next matters. People in positions of power will be reluctant to label. And don’t get me wrong, investigations must occur but one thing is clear: This was a case of men’s violence. Men’s violence occurs in all settings. It happens in homes, in workplaces and this time it happened out in the open in one of the most extreme ways that has led to many deaths and rocked a nation. There will be reluctance to attribute an ideology to this man’s actions because he does not fit a “terrorist stereotype” fuelled by his twisted religious ideology. But his ideology was clear: A hatred of women. Deep-seated misogyny is an ideology. And it’s past time that we recognised that some men hold it and act on it, causing such devastation. And the question on my lips, on the lips of so many who have been impacted by men’s violence is, “How many more?” How many more have to die from men’s violence before decisive action is taken by Australia’s policymakers? How many more communities have to be shattered and families torn apart before men’s violence is taken seriously and acted upon? Maybe now, policymakers will recognise the true human cost of men’s violence and decide to act? Maybe now, they will offer more than “thoughts and prayers” … maybe. Addressing men’s violence is an urgent and immediate priority. Thoughts and prayers just won’t cut it.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JUST WON’T CUT IT. TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SAVE OUR FUTURE 💔 One man. Killed. Five women. Killed. And many more in hospital – including a baby, whose mum was one of those killed. All of this because of one man’s horrific violent actions at Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday. How we frame such actions, what we say next matters. People in positions of power will be reluctant to label. And don’t get me wrong, investigations must occur but one thing is clear: This was a case of men’s violence. Men’s violence occurs in all settings. It happens in homes, in workplaces and this time it happened out in the open in one of the most extreme ways that has led to many deaths and rocked a nation. There will be reluctance to attribute an ideology to this man’s actions because he does not fit a “terrorist stereotype” fuelled by his twisted religious ideology. But his ideology was clear: A hatred of women. Deep-seated misogyny is an ideology. And it’s past time that we recognised that some men hold it and act on it, causing such devastation. And the question on my lips, on the lips of so many who have been impacted by men’s violence is, “How many more?” How many more have to die from men’s violence before decisive action is taken by Australia’s policymakers? How many more communities have to be shattered and families torn apart before men’s violence is taken seriously and acted upon? Maybe now, policymakers will recognise the true human cost of men’s violence and decide to act? Maybe now, they will offer more than “thoughts and prayers” … maybe. Addressing men’s violence is an urgent and immediate priority. Thoughts and prayers just won’t cut it.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JUST WON’T CUT IT. TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SAVE OUR FUTURE 💔 One man. Killed. Five women. Killed. And many more in hospital – including a baby, whose mum was one of those killed. All of this because of one man’s horrific violent actions at Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday. How we frame such actions, what we say next matters. People in positions of power will be reluctant to label. And don’t get me wrong, investigations must occur but one thing is clear: This was a case of men’s violence. Men’s violence occurs in all settings. It happens in homes, in workplaces and this time it happened out in the open in one of the most extreme ways that has led to many deaths and rocked a nation. There will be reluctance to attribute an ideology to this man’s actions because he does not fit a “terrorist stereotype” fuelled by his twisted religious ideology. But his ideology was clear: A hatred of women. Deep-seated misogyny is an ideology. And it’s past time that we recognised that some men hold it and act on it, causing such devastation. And the question on my lips, on the lips of so many who have been impacted by men’s violence is, “How many more?” How many more have to die from men’s violence before decisive action is taken by Australia’s policymakers? How many more communities have to be shattered and families torn apart before men’s violence is taken seriously and acted upon? Maybe now, policymakers will recognise the true human cost of men’s violence and decide to act? Maybe now, they will offer more than “thoughts and prayers” … maybe. Addressing men’s violence is an urgent and immediate priority. Thoughts and prayers just won’t cut it.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JUST WON’T CUT IT. TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SAVE OUR FUTURE 💔 One man. Killed. Five women. Killed. And many more in hospital – including a baby, whose mum was one of those killed. All of this because of one man’s horrific violent actions at Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday. How we frame such actions, what we say next matters. People in positions of power will be reluctant to label. And don’t get me wrong, investigations must occur but one thing is clear: This was a case of men’s violence. Men’s violence occurs in all settings. It happens in homes, in workplaces and this time it happened out in the open in one of the most extreme ways that has led to many deaths and rocked a nation. There will be reluctance to attribute an ideology to this man’s actions because he does not fit a “terrorist stereotype” fuelled by his twisted religious ideology. But his ideology was clear: A hatred of women. Deep-seated misogyny is an ideology. And it’s past time that we recognised that some men hold it and act on it, causing such devastation. And the question on my lips, on the lips of so many who have been impacted by men’s violence is, “How many more?” How many more have to die from men’s violence before decisive action is taken by Australia’s policymakers? How many more communities have to be shattered and families torn apart before men’s violence is taken seriously and acted upon? Maybe now, policymakers will recognise the true human cost of men’s violence and decide to act? Maybe now, they will offer more than “thoughts and prayers” … maybe. Addressing men’s violence is an urgent and immediate priority. Thoughts and prayers just won’t cut it.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JUST WON’T CUT IT. TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SAVE OUR FUTURE 💔 One man. Killed. Five women. Killed. And many more in hospital – including a baby, whose mum was one of those killed. All of this because of one man’s horrific violent actions at Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday. How we frame such actions, what we say next matters. People in positions of power will be reluctant to label. And don’t get me wrong, investigations must occur but one thing is clear: This was a case of men’s violence. Men’s violence occurs in all settings. It happens in homes, in workplaces and this time it happened out in the open in one of the most extreme ways that has led to many deaths and rocked a nation. There will be reluctance to attribute an ideology to this man’s actions because he does not fit a “terrorist stereotype” fuelled by his twisted religious ideology. But his ideology was clear: A hatred of women. Deep-seated misogyny is an ideology. And it’s past time that we recognised that some men hold it and act on it, causing such devastation. And the question on my lips, on the lips of so many who have been impacted by men’s violence is, “How many more?” How many more have to die from men’s violence before decisive action is taken by Australia’s policymakers? How many more communities have to be shattered and families torn apart before men’s violence is taken seriously and acted upon? Maybe now, policymakers will recognise the true human cost of men’s violence and decide to act? Maybe now, they will offer more than “thoughts and prayers” … maybe. Addressing men’s violence is an urgent and immediate priority. Thoughts and prayers just won’t cut it.
RIP HANNAH 💔
I SAID WHAT I SAID. #HannahMcGuire #NotOneMoreNiki
POWER AND CONTROL The news is reporting that the search for Samantha Murphy’s body has been called off for the time being. It’s actually beyond f*cked that Patrick Orren Stephenson is sitting on this information more than SIX weeks after Samantha Murphy’s alleged murder, yet we’re being fed articles that humanise him. Dude has literally been charged with murdering a woman who was out for a run. Samantha Murphy’s loved ones haven’t held a funeral for her, the authorities can’t conduct an autopsy and they all wait in limbo as police search for her body. Women around Australia worry, ‘What if we’re the next victim?’ Why? Because of one man’s sense of control and power, yet we all have to read about how he loved footy with his dad and look at photos of him in his guernsey. I couldn’t care less. RIP Samantha Murphy 💔
HOW MANY MORE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE DECISIVE ACTION ON MEN’S VIOLENCE? MISOGYNY *IS* AN IDEOLOGY.
FOREVER YOUNG 💔 #HannahMcGuire #NotOneMoreNiki
THREE WOMEN FROM BALLARAT KILLED IN AS MANY MONTHS. YET ANOTHER AUSTRALIAN MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER. WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT MEN’S EGO AND ENTITLEMENT OVER WOMEN?* RIP HANNAH MCGUIRE 💔 *Sorry this is a bit of a longer video but I had to address this point.
THE UNSAID SAYS A LOT 3 in 4 trans and gender diverse people have been treated unfairly because of their gender identity. We don’t need to be a trans or gender diverse person to care. In fact, it’s on all of us to learn, understand and be compassionate and supportive. That’s why I believe it’s important that trans and gender diverse people have their authentic experiences shared with campaigns just like this. Watch the video in full and make sure you read more at vic.gov.au/theunsaid #TheUnsaidSaysALot
BEHIND EVERY STATISTIC IS A STORY This is my sister Nikita Chawla, exactly ten years ago today on the very last birthday she ever celebrated. Let me tell you the story behind this photo. Our mum started an Indian restaurant at the age of 50, fulfilling her own lifelong dream. Two years into running the restaurant, mum didn’t get days off so Niki went there on her own birthday. Dad and I went to a local cafe and got Niki cupcakes. Niki was going through so much that year. Little did we know her pain was the the result of the coercive control and abuse she was experiencing in her relationship. But that gesture of cupcakes, coffee and quality time made Niki’s day and she smiled. It meant everything to see her happy for a moment. Sadly, Niki never celebrated another birthday – tragically murdered by her partner six months later when she tried to escape. I wish Niki’s story was an anomaly but this is all too common. This year alone, more than 40 Australian women have had their lives stolen from them by violent men. I co-founded Not One More Niki after Niki’s death and on the 10th anniversary of Niki’s last ever birthday, I’m asking us all to pitch in for a heavenly birthday gift for Niki: A safer future for all. Whether that’s as simple as having a conversation about men’s violence against women or if you can afford to, a financial donation to support violence prevention programs and safe referrals for those who need it most. You can make a donation at www.givenow.com.au/notonemoreniki (link is in my bio and stories) – thank you for your very generous support! Happy Birthday, Niki! As mum told the Judge who sentenced the man who killed you, ‘My daughter Niki only lived for 23 years but she gave love to last many lifetimes.’ ❤️😢
Some personal reflections the week after Men’s Health Week. It’s a privilege to grow old, but we shouldn’t lose 8.6 Australian lives a day to s**cide. We need to do so much more to support every person living with mental health challenges – especially boys and men.
THE SCUMBAG HAS NOT YET ENTERED A PLEA
F**K RACISM The algorithm doesn’t like it when you talk about “controversial” topics, so here’s a picture of fashunz, instrad. Cool, now that we’ve tricked it, let’s chat. Today is what we in Australia call Harmony Day. Except that’s not really what it is, is it? Elsewhere, today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Australia, it was re-branded to Harmony Day by John Howard, but the origins of the day matter. This day is held annually on March 21 because in 1960, police in Sharpeville, South Africa, shot and killed 250 Black people who were peacefully protesting against apartheid. As the grandchild of refugees, I think of the stories of how on 13 April 1919, at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, a crowd had peacefully gathered in protest and were fired upon by the British Army. Over 1,000 people were killed. The bullet holes are still there in the brick walls. Rabindranath Tagore, the first Asian Nobel Laureate, renounced his knighthood in response to the shootings. Meanwhile, the man responsible for killing innocent people initially received accolades for his acts instead of condemnation! History is littered with such examples, across continents and generations but let’s not pretend that racism is somehow fixed because of promoting “harmony”. Right now, children in Gaza are being killed at an alarming rate. Israeli hostages are being held and the humanitarian crisis is more heartbreaking and concerning with each passing moment. In Australia, we live on land where sovereignty was never ceded. The doctrine of terra nullius was used to take land away from the original inhabitants. The descendants of those Aboriginal people continue to persevere and survive. Their very existence is a political act of resistance. Let’s remember what today is really about. This is a day to recognise racial discrimination. Prejudice. Bigotry. And these have no place here or anywhere. The way this day was changed isn’t about true harmony. Don’t let nice sentiments cloud reality. At its core, today is a day to acknowledge that racism is alive and well and that we all have a duty to end it.
CARLTON RESPECTS On Friday night, Carlton played Geelong at the MCG. The game marked Carlton’s annual Carlton Respects round as part of the club’s work to put an end to men’s violence. It’s no secret that DV increases around high-profile sporting events and given how much of a fixture sport is in Australian culture, sports clubs must do a lot more to send the message that this is not ok and not the way for men to deal with their problems. Thank you to @johall9 and @9newsmelbourne for coming along to the Carlton Football Club where I spoke to the playing and coaching group earlier in the week. Thanks to @patrickcripps, @dochertysam, @marc_pittonet, @kerrynpeterson and everyone at the club for their support of these important initiatives.
“But, not all men.” Sometimes having conversations with men in your life about men’s violence can be challenging. Many people feel as though we’ve been speaking about this for decades. It’s time that men were a part of the conversation and the solution. This episode with @tarangchawla really helped equip us with the way to have those conversations with the men in our lives. You can listen by searching “life uncut” wherever you get your podcasts
LET’S GET EXPLICIT I’ve been outspoken about men’s violence against women for years, but this year things seem to be worse than ever. This year alone, one woman is killed every four days in Australia. Read that again. Every four days in Australia, a man is killing a woman for the simple crime of existing. In 2015, my little sister Niki was one of those women. Niki was 23 when her life was violently stolen from her. This is happening far too often and it’s a violation of the human rights and dignity of all women. I felt humbled to be asked to be part of this campaign and I want you to join me. Speaking up about this doesn’t make you less of a man, or in any way diminish men. It shows that this issue is far too important and affects far too many to let women do it alone. All of us play a role. Men, let’s get explicit. Speak up and lead by example. WAYS YOU CAN HELP ➡️ Recreate the LET’S GET EXPLICIT sign and add your voice to the movement ➡️ Follow @letsgetexplicit_ on Insta ➡️ Purchase one of the July-July calendars – all profits go towards @givit_aus Family and Domestic Violence Appeal
“MASCULINITY ISN’T A CONSTANT” Here’s why we have nothing to fear about addressing “toxic masculinity” and instead have so much more to gain with a little nod to my main man Rabindranath Tagore ✊🏾
BEHIND EVERY STATISTIC IS A STORY Exactly ten years ago today, my sister Niki celebrated her last ever birthday. Niki was going through so much that year. Little did I know her pain was the the result of the coercive control she was experiencing in her relationship. Sadly, Niki never celebrated another birthday – tragically murdered by her partner six months later when she tried to escape. I wish Niki’s story was an anomaly but this is all too common. This year alone, more than 40 Australian women have had their lives stolen from them by violent men. I co-founded Not One More Niki after Niki’s death and on the 10th anniversary of Niki’s last ever birthday, I’m asking us all to pitch in for a heavenly birthday gift for Niki: A safer future for all. If you can afford to, please donate to support violence prevention programs and safe referrals for those who need it most. You can make a donation at www.givenow.com.au/notonemoreniki (link is also in my bio and stories) – thank you for your very generous support! Happy Birthday, Niki! As mum told the Judge who sentenced the man who killed you, ‘My daughter Niki only lived for 23 years but she gave love to last many lifetimes.’ ❤️😢 🎥: A heartfelt thank you to @itsharrijames for making this video with love and care. Please follow him and support his important work to put an end to child abuse.
FROM GRIEF TO ACTIVISM I sat down with yumichild at the end of last year to talk about some things I am passionate about for her podcast ‘SEEN’. People often ask me, ‘How can I do what you do?’ or ‘I want to speak out, but I don’t know where to start?’ Yumi and I talk about just that, and a whole lot more. Thank you to Yumi and to her producer Mandy who were both amazing to work with. I’ll post the link in my IG stories for the next 24 hours, plus you can listen wherever you get your podcasts or on the SBS website. OFFICIAL BLURB: Tarang Chawla is most recognised for his work as an activist against gender-based violence — but if you ask him, it’s something he wishes he didn’t have to do. In this episode, you’ll hear about Tarang’s journey from profound loss to impactful activism, and how above all, his voice isn’t the one that needs to be heard. The voices he wants to amplify are the voices of victims of gender based violence like his sister Nikita Chawla, and those misrepresented by mainstream media. #Podcast #NotOneMoreNiki
What needs to change seems like a big question, but @tarangchawla had some great and simple answers. You can listen by searching “life uncut” whenever you get your podcasts or on YouTube (for the full video with captions)
A new episode of SEEN dropped today 🎧 @tarangchawla – domestic violence activist, today on SEEN looks beyond the headlines of being a murder victim. It gets personal 😭🙏🏻
