Glenfield resident and recently appointed White Ribbon ambassador Akshay “Raj’’ Kumar was the keynote speaker at the NSW Parliament 2016 White Ribbon Morning Tea.
“Domestic violence and violence against women is an issue that is above the political squabbles of right, left or centrist theories, it’s above fractions and factions,’’ Mr Kumar said in his speech.
He reminded those in attendance that just this year one woman had died every week as a result of domestic violence.
“These aren’t just figures on a graph, these are real families and real lives that are affected,’’ he said.
“It’s welcoming to see such a bipartisan approach to the issue.’’
Mr Kumar also spoke at length about intergenerational family violence, touching on factors of cultural definitions of masculinity and gender inequality as being the main contributing factors.
He also briefly touched on his own family history as well as the need to become a role model in his local community as motivating factors for his involvement.
“One in three women will experience violence by someone close to them,’’ he said.
“One in four children will be witness to domestic violence.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This is not the society we want. This is not the society the future generations deserve.”[/social_quote]
Mr Kumar said that in our local government area almost 900 cases of domestic violence were reported last financial year.
“I believe that the bulk of cases remain unreported,’’ he said.
Mr Kumar urged all Members of Parliament to show greater involvement and concern for the issue.
“I will stand up. I will speak out. I will act, but what will you do?
“In your communities with your constituents, be the voice for the voiceless.
“I encourage all people to be involved in local events in solidarity with White Ribbon.
“Wear a pin and take the pledge to never be silent, excuse or commit violence against women,’’ Mr Kumar said.
