Every week, it’s estimated one Australian woman is killed by a current or former partner.
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In the lead up to White Ribbon Day, different groups in Leeton have banded together to say no to domestic violence.
Male residents of Leeton are encouraged to participate in a photo shoot for the Stop Violence Against Women initiative on November 30.
“The victims of these violent acts are not merely statistics. They are wives, sisters, mothers, daughters and friends. Good men cannot and will not sit on the sidelines."
- Paul Maytom, Leeton Shire Mayor
White Ribbon Day has become a global movement that continues to grow.
Teachers from St Francis De Sales Regional College and Leeton Shire Council are inviting the community to get involved.
Leeton Shire Mayor Paul Mayton said the event was important in building awareness.
“The victims of these violent acts are not merely statistics. They are wives, sisters, mothers, daughters and friends. Good men cannot and will not sit on the sidelines while those they love are at risk of harm,” he said.
“I am encouraging all businesses in Leeton Shire to allow their staff to attend the photo opportunity to show their support against this extremely inappropriate and antisocial behaviour.”
In addition to the photo shoot, local high school students will be out and about on the day, selling ribbons to raise money for White Ribbon Australia.
Teacher at St Francis De Sales College, Ian Pettit is one of the organisers of the event.
He says it’s about standing in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence.
“We’re trying to get as many men as possible to stand behind a banner to stand behind a banner talking about violence against women,” he said.
“We’re concerned that one in four children are exposed to domestic violence. We want to get through to those women affected within our Leeton community.”
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Men, he says, have a role to play int stopping violence.
“It’s an issue of solidarity. It’s the community’s responsibility to stand up. We want to send a strong message to those men behaving inappropriately.”
The photo will be taking place at the Roxy Community Theatre at 11:30am.
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT.
