NEWS White Ribbon in grog tie-up

WHITE Ribbon Australia has compromised the integrity of its anti-violence message by taking money from an alcohol distributor, says a leading expert on alcohol policy, who recommends the group hand back the cash and admit an “error of judgment”.

The influential campaign that aims to end violence against women has received undisclosed amounts of cash from Endeavour Drinks Group (EDG) – the company supplying BWS and Dan Murphy’s with liquor – since 2013.

A recent partnership campaign to solicit cash donations in EDG liquor stores that was then matched by EDG, has upset some organisations in the Territory, where alcoholfuelled domestic violence continues to far outstrip other states.

The Sunday Territorian understands the NT Police Force has raised a formal objection with White Ribbon.

University of Newcastle public health policy professor, Kypros Kypri, says White Ribbon’s recent partnership with Endeavour is typical “corporate strategy” for the alcohol industry to build its credibility by association with an important cause.

“The question is why would White Ribbon compromise its important work by forming REECE KERSHAW this association?” he said. “It receives substantial contributions from many members of the public who will now think twice about donating.

“I would encourage them to return the funds, acknowledge the error of judgment, and disavow the alcohol industry as a legitimate player in addressing domestic violence.”

In a letter from NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw to White Ribbon CEO Libby Davies, obtained by the Sunday Territorian, Mr Kershaw said the partnership was “not something the ( NT Police) support”.

“The clear evidence we see as first responders to domestic and family violence in the community is that alcohol is a major causal factor of violence,” he wrote.

Mr Kershaw pointed out that of 4100 people who experienced one or more domestic violence assaults last year, nearly 60 per cent were alcohol related.

“Alcohol remains a primary factor and has a far-reaching involvement in all aspects of (domestic and family violence),” he wrote.

“While White Ribbon Australia considers this partnership (with EDG) as ground breaking in terms of reaching men in a different environment, the clear link between alcohol and violence is, in my view, a major conflict with the values statement and philosophy of White Ribbon Australia.”

Neither White Ribbon nor Endeavours Drink Group would disclose how much money has been exchanged.

Ms Davies said the group was “conscious that some supporters regard this partnership as controversial”.

“Our campaign message is clear and unarguable: Alcohol is not an excuse for violence,” she said.

“There is no excuse. Alcohol is not the underlying driver of violence against women. Men always have a choice; not all people who drink are violent, and many people who do not drink are violent.”

Ms Davies said the money from EDG would be “applied fully to programs aimed at young men at risk of alcohol abuse and abuse by violence”.

Anglicare NT, a member of the NT White Ribbon Committee, said they were concerned about the partnership.