By ANEEKA SIMONIS
HUNDREDS of people from all walks of life united in Pakenham earlier this week in a show of strength against family violence.
Kids, grandparents, mums, dads, police officers, politicians, councillors and social workers took to the streets for the second annual White Ribbon Walk – each with their own story about family violence and why it has to stop.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd of Pakenham said family violence formed too large a part of his job.
“It’s good to see the community getting behind this cause … it’s up to us (the community) to show that we won’t tolerate family violence in any shape or form,” he said.
Youth development worker at Kooweerup Regional Health Service brought a group of young men along to the walk.
“If you can get in and teach boys while they are at school age, you can help change their outlook for the future,” he said.
Joan Shelton, grandmother to eight boys agreed.
“I try to teach the boys to respect women. It’s important to start young with these lessons.”
At a breakfast held at Pakenham Hall earlier that morning, around 100 men and women took an oath against committing or remaining silent about family violence.
Cardinia Shire mayor Leticia Wilmot opened the event with the shocking statistics that one in three women will be affected by domestic violence over their lifetime, particularly in the shire.
“Family violence is happening in Cardinia Shire, which has among the highest incidence of family violence in Victoria and it is increasing at an alarming rate,” she said.
Over the last 14 years, Cardinia Shire has experienced a 156 per cent increase in family violence callouts compared with metropolitan Melbourne at 146 per cent. The shire has the third highest reported incidence of family violence in the Southern Metro Region over the past two years with 45 per cent of the assault serious enough for charges to be laid.
Founder of Heavy METAL (Men’s Education Towards Anger and Life) and guest speaker David Nugent said everyday was a new opportunity for change.
“It’s time we challenge cultural beliefs that have been passed down by previous generations and feel more confident to stand up to people who make sexist comments or jokes,” he said.
“Women and children are not responsible. Men are responsible for what they do and don’t do.”
