VIOLENCE against women is no longer an issue hidden behind closed doors, but a crime members of the Leeton community are standing up against.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
White Ribbon Day was held in Leeton and across the country on Friday, with men and women coming together to show they will not tolerate domestic violence or any form of harm against women in the shire.
Groups such as Leeton police and the wider Murrumbidgee Police District, the Local Health Advisory Committee and Leeton Shire Council have committed to working together to defeat this scourge that continues to live among us.
Representatives from these organisations, as well as schools, community groups and businesses joined together on Friday to show their support for White Ribbon Day.
Murrumbidgee Police District Commander, Superintendent Craig Ireland said domestic violence continued to have high rates of occurrence in Leeton shire.
MORE NEWS:
"Crimes that occur behind closed doors can be difficult to detect," he said.
"Police really do want to work with all members of our community in partnership to reduce crime.
"More to the point - we want to prevent crime, especially domestic violence.
"We do not want women living in fear."
Awareness of domestic violence will continue to be raised in the community over the coming fortnight as part of a campaign to keep the issue in the spotlight.
White Ribbon Day specifically is an opportunity to bring people together - in person or online - to raise awareness and commit to action to prevent men's violence against women.
Superintendent Ireland said having the community be part of stamping out domestic violence was integral.
"Our approach to domestic violence needs to be preventative wherever possible, addressing the issue before the violence escalates," he said.
"Yes, we do investigate crimes very well, but wouldn't we all be better off if we can prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first instance?
"For this to happen, we need everyone to make a stand.
"We want a safe community and we want our families to live safely.
"Domestic Violence is not acceptable.
"We must work together to reinforce this message.
"Together we can all make a difference, and we will."