November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
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To mark the event, the Bega Valley Domestic and Sexual Violence Committee will host a street march and afternoon in Littleton Gardens on Wednesday, November 28.
From November 23’s White Ribbon Day to December 10 there will be a series of local events to continue to raise awareness of the impacts of violence in our community.
Everyone who is against violence is invited to meet at Kiss’s Lagoon at 11am. Bring instruments and noise makers for the march to Littleton Gardens to show you will no longer remain silent against violence in our community.
At Littleton Gardens there will be a sausage sizzle and activities such as banner making and kite making. Mark Austin will be busking and donating proceeds back to the domestic violence committee to help to continue to raise awareness.
“This is a gendered crime. We do, however, acknowledge that women can also be perpetrators of violence, with men as victims,” a committee spokesperson said.
“It needs to be noted both women and men are more likely to experience violence at the hands of men, with around 95 per cent of all victims of violence in Australia reporting a male perpetrator.
“Overwhelmingly, the majority of men are not violent. These are the men we need to carry the message and to challenge behaviours.
“This has become a women’s issue, where in reality it is a community issue and we need men to be part of the solution. As a community we need to take a stand against all forms of violence and not tolerate any form of violence.”
If you are experiencing violence in whatever form, there is help available. There are local services such as Staying Home Leaving Violence (SEWACS), Bega Crisis Accommodation Service (Mission Australia), Far South Coast Family Support Service, the Women’s Resource Centre and many others.
You can also contact 1800Respect (1800737732) or the DV Line on 1800656463.
“Talk to them, contact the police, seek help. If you witness violence, report it. Spread the message that this is not acceptable. Don’t be a silent bystander.”