White Ribbon Day, an initiative that raises domestic violence awareness, was held in Leeton on Friday. 

Students from St Francis College and Yanco Agricultural High School were on hand to sell merchandise to raise vital funds for the National Domestic Violence hotline. 

The highlight of the day was men of all different backgrounds gathering with the students to have a group photo taken/

“The aim of the photo was to show we are united against domestic violence happening in our shire,” Leeton Shire Council’s Nateaka Blake said. 

“I do believe the awareness is getting out there, but obviously more needs to be done. 

“Having all of the different men there from different backgrounds and careers taking a stand was great. 

“I guess there’s a thought some time that domestic violence only occurs within people that have a low socio-economic background, but that’s definitely not the case. It happens everywhere.”

White Ribbon Day is a global movement and one that is continuing to grow. 

St Francis College teacher Ian Pettit helped Mrs Blake to co-ordinate Leeton’s event. 

It was the second time the initiative had been held in town in its current form. “To stop domestic violence, Australia needs men to stand up, speak out and act,” Mr Pettit said. 

“Only some men use violence, (but) most men share the belief that violence against women is never acceptable.”

The school has also been running education initiatives to make students aware of domestic violence and to educate them on the issue. 

On the day students helped to raise about $300 for the National Domestic Violence hotline. Mrs Blake was hopeful next year’s event would take on even more meaning. 

“We definitely want to do something again and have even more people involved,” she said. 

“It’s essential we talk about this all of the time, not just when it’s White Ribbon Day. We need to stand up and speak out to show those that have been affected by domestic violence that it’s okay to seek help and support. 

“I was speaking to the police after the event on Friday and they were saying they have noticed an increase in women seeking help, which is great.

“They are the ones on the frontline that see some terrible things. Even having women report that have been a victim of domestic violence is a big thing, so if they are seeking support in that way, it’s a good first step.”