The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence commenced on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day.On that day, events were held internationally and amongst them was an event at Monash University in Melbourne. The Keynote address was delivered by the Chair of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and their Children, Mr Ken Lay, former Chief Commissioner of the Victoria Police.Mr Lay reflected on the underlying causes of violence against women and how we all might begin to change the attitudes that encourage it, and talked about the emotion he felt when presented with confronting new research being released today about the attitudes of young people.The address reflected the similar issues faced in the Solomon Islands and as part of our campaign her. Mr Lay’s address is being made below.We hope that the address will encourage further debate and discussion on this very important issue.Today November 10, World Human Rights Day, commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human-Rights. It also marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism, but the RSIPF will continue to make all efforts to reduce gender based and family violence and protect of Human Rights, which is part of the RSIPF Code of Conduct.Frank PRENDERGASTCommissioner, RSIPF