Got Your Back Sista's I Run For Her Goes National to Say NO to Domestic Violence

Australia, it's time to say NO. I Run For Her, the annual community event by Got Your Back Sista is sparking critical conversations around domestic violence on a national scale for the first time, with events hosted across Australia on 15 October 2023. 

Highlighted in recent media as a "national shame", Australia's abuse rates are a problem of epidemic proportions. The shocking statistics* indicate the issue is showing no signs of decreasing: 

-       1 in 3 women experienced physical violence 

-       1 in 4 women experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member 

-       1 in 5 women experienced sexual violence 

-       1 woman every 9 days is killed by a current or former partner.

"Let's talk about it, Australia. Let's take a close look at prevalence of family and domestic violence and ask why in 2023 this is still happening. Let's take practical steps to make our communities a safer place. Let's encourage people who need help to access available services," said Got Your Back Sista Founder, Melissa Histon.  

Australian celebrity, Madeleine West is an ambassador for this year's I Run For Her after participating in last year's event. 

"We cannot change what we cannot see and domestic violence has been lurking in the shadows for too long. The social, economic and personal cost is too great to ignore. These are difficult but necessary conversations. For those experiencing domestic violence, the sense of isolation is crushing. But you are not alone and united we can make a difference," said Madeleine.

WATCH Madeleine West's video for Got Your Back Sista in support of the 2023 campaign.

Back for its fourth year, I Run For Her spreads the message of solidarity for people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence. The flexible and inclusive event format has no dedicated location, start time, distance or duration. Participants can decide what, where, when and how and manage their own fundraising efforts. 

Event partner, the Australian Assembly of Administrators (AAA) will host 5km walks or runs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and are rallying their network, as well as the wider community to join their teams. Got Your Back Sista will host a run for the fourth year in Newcastle.

The Lady Shake is the presenting partner, with additional sponsors including Newcastle Coal, Orica, Allambi Care, City of Newcastle. Community partners include HIC Services, Charlestown Square, NewFM and Australian Community Media.

Register a fundraising walk or run, or join a team HERE, including the AAA Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane teams, and share the hashtag #irunforher.

www.gotyourbacksista.com

About Got Your Back Sista

Got Your Back Sista is a registered charity that offers benevolent relief and support to women and children escaping domestic violence. They provide an end-to-end service, from crisis support to recovery and healing. They empower women to thrive through programs to rebuild confidence, self-esteem, physical and emotional wellbeing and create pathways to study and employment. Their goal is to support more women in regional areas across Australia. Their vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of family violence.