Men in Campbelltown are being encouraged to join a White Ribbon group and stand united in campaigning for an end to violence against women.
The group, which has recently been formed from a branch of the Campbelltown Domestic Violence Committee, said it needed members to help drive the awareness campaign now and in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day, which is celebrated nationally on November 25.
The group currently consists of a small group of committed men from various organisations, including Campbelltown City Council, Campbelltown and Macquarie Fields Local Area Commands, White Ribbon and community service organisations.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Lake, joined the photo call to rally behind the cause.
“The White Ribbon campaign is about recognising the positive role that men play in preventing physical and psychological violence against women,’’ Cr Lake said.
“The violence perpetrated by men against women must stop, and it is up to men to stop it,” he said.
“Alarmingly, over the course of a year, one woman is killed every week as a result of intimate partner violence in Australia and the victims are not merely statistics – they are wives, sisters, mothers, daughters and friends.
“Good men cannot – and will not – sit on the sidelines while those they love are at risk of harm.
“I encourage men from throughout Campbelltown to join the White Ribbon group and help to challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It will be through support from men in the community that this group will be able to work towards stopping violence against women, so that all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.’’[/social_quote]
The White Ribbon group will inspire men to be a part of the social change through a range of measures involving education, awareness raising, preventative programs and partnerships with the local community.
Men interested in joining the local White Ribbon group can email communitysafety@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au or phone Council on 4645 4632.
White Ribbon began in Australia in 2003 as part of UNIFEM (now UN Women), and formally became a Foundation in 2007.
White Ribbon Australia observes the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, annually on November 25.
