We say 'NO' to violence

White Ribbon Day supporters assemble at Jabiru Area School for the march to the town plaza.

REPRESENTATIVES from West Arnhem Regional Council joined a strong turnout of local organisation and community members for a White Ribbon Day march at 9am Friday, 20 November.

White Ribbon Day is a national day to help stop men’s violence against women. On average, more than one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner. This deeply disturbing fact is only one tragic part of the bigger story surrounding domestic violence. Now in its 12th year, White Ribbon asks Australians to take a stand today to end men’s violence against women by focusing on the positive role men can play in influencing the actions of those few who use violence.

The group marched from Jabiru Area School to the town plaza, where they heard speeches by Member for Arafura Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu MLA, and Officer in Charge at Jabiru Fire Station Mick Hutton, who helped organise the march.

Mr Hutton said people needed to think about better ways to communicate when things went wrong, other than through violence.

“There are helplines available if you find you have nowhere to turn, and that goes for both victims and perpetrators,” Mr Hutton said.

Mr Kurrupuwu said domestic violence was not acceptable in our society.

“We don’t want our kids witnessing domestic violence in their family,” he said. “Children are our future, and we want them to take on all responsibilities in our communities. We all need to remain connected with our land, our culture, and our law.”

Representatives from the Council, ERA, Spotless, Kakadu National Park, NT Health, Police, Clontarf Academy, West Arnhem Girls Academy, Jabiru Area School and others linked arms in a show of solidarity against domestic violence.

White Ribbon Australia Chair John Rosewarne says he applauds communities who unite in bringing an end to men’s violence against women.

“These communities represent the critical role of collective action to drive change. It is everyone’s responsibility to make this happen,” he said. “We need ongoing action amongst our schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and politicians, if we are to become a society committed to respect, stopping the violence and delivering true gender equality.”

For domestic violence counselling, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

www.1800respect.org.au

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