To mark White Ribbon Day (November 25), thousands of people walked to Sydney's Coogee Beach, in solidarity against male violence. November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Domestic violence (DV) is more than partner conflict. In Australia, one woman is killed every eight days by a current or former partner or family member. Globally, the picture is even grimmer: around 51,100 women and girls were killed in 2023 by intimate partners or family - that’s roughly 140 women each day, according to UN Women, representing a global public health emergency.
For those who survive abuse, DV can still silence motherhood in quieter but no less damaging ways. Studies show that Domestic Violence disrupts the bond between mother and child, including through breastfeeding. Mental trauma, chronic fear and lack of safety can disrupt the hormonal cascade that supports milk production and let-down.
Abusive partners may control feeding choices, undermine confidence, or isolate mothers from care.
A 2024 Canadian study found DV dramatically reduces a mother’s breastfeeding self-efficacy. Researchers showed that women access breastfeeding help more effectively when providers deliver trauma-and violence-informed care — acknowledging survivors’ experiences and building trust.
In sub-Saharan Africa, a 2021 multi-country study reported that physical, emotional, and sexual DV are strongly linked to delayed initiation and lower exclusive breastfeeding rates.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, help is available. Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au for confidential support.
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