Today, North West Region members joined the Bendigo Walks for White Ribbon Day to demonstrate our commitment to ending violence against women.
Approximately 500 people crammed into the Bendigo Town Hall, where every man took the White Ribbon oath to ‘never commit; excuse or remain silent about violence against women’.
Speakers included Benalla woman, Anj Barker, who was brutally assaulted by her ex-boyfriend in 2002; and Victoria Police Acting superintendent Ron Gardner who shared a powerful account of his personal experience of family violence growing up.
"I'm here to say it's time we men did something to stop it, and influence other men in doing so,'' Mr Gardener said.
The walk then commenced at the Town Hall and continued along the main street, with CFA members and fire trucks from the Eaglehawk and Bendigo bringing up the rear. Armed with White Ribbon balloons, a bold CFA banner and a determination to make a difference, our members showed the local community that CFA does not accept violence against women.
‘Seeing our members turn-out today in support of White Ribbon Day was great’, said Assistant Chief Officer for North West Region, Mike Wassing. ‘CFA plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and today demonstrated that we can also play a role in helping spread the word about preventing violence against women,’ he said.
White Ribbon Day is a national, male-led campaign giving men an opportunity to stand-up against violence. While observing the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, White Ribbon Day also signals the start of the 16 days of action, which ends on Human Rights Day on December 10.
North West Region encourages you to continue to take a stand against violence.
Don’t be a bystander.
For more information visit: http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/
I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women
Author: Debra Salvagno