The men of Moree are being encouraged to step up and take a stand against family and domestic violence on Friday, when the community comes together for a White Ribbon Day march.
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Moree is currently ranked the worst local government area for reported domestic violence in the state -usually fluctuating between the top two spots - and this Friday, November 24 the community will take to the streets to say they want this to change.
White Ribbon Day is on Saturday, November 25, and Moree’s No Violence Alliance (NoVA) has organised a community march and family fun day on Friday, to raise awareness about the issue.
“Domestic violence isn’t just about the physical, psychological, emotional, financial abuse, but it can result in cases of homelessness, financial hardship, loss of jobs – it’s a big cycle,” NoVA publicity officer Ros Laws said.
“For Moree, being either the first or second highest in NSW for reported cases of DV, we feel it’s a prime need to get information out there to keep reporting levels high.
“We might be number one or two in the state, but in a way it’s a good thing that people are starting to speak up as they know they can get help.”
Barwon Local Area Command Superintendent Paul McDonald said local police respond to reports of domestic violence “multiple times” a day.
He said White Ribbon Day is a great opportunity to support victims of family and domestic violence, letting them know where to seek assistance, as well as sending a clear message to perpetrators.
“It’s important to get the message out to perpetrators of domestic violence that this is wrong,” he said.
“Victims are generally vulnerable and weaker than the perpetrator; it is a cowardly act.
“[White Ribbon Day] is also a good chance for men to acknowledge that they will not stand for any violence against women or children and show that support for people who may be victims.”
White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male led campaign to end men’s violence against women with the vision that all women live in safety free from all forms of men's violence.
To promote the aims of White Ribbon, Moree’s NoVA committee has arranged for a number of prominent males in the community to speak at Friday’s family fun day following the march.
Supt. Paul McDonald will speak, along with Moree Secondary College principal Peter Sheargold, solicitor Dominic Wilcox and Byamee’s Jared Lidgerwood, while Aboriginal elder Barry Sampson will do the Welcome to Country.
Members of the community are asked to meet at Moree Memorial Hall by 10.30am on Friday, with the march to get underway shortly after.
Participants will then march along Balo Street, making their way to the Multipurpose Centre, where there will be the guest speakers, a range of domestic violence services on hand to discreetly speak to people and offer assistance, a kids corner and a free barbecue.
People will also have the opportunity to make a White Ribbon Day pledge.
Students from Moree Secondary College, St Philomena’s, Moree East and Moree Public schools will be participating in the day and Ms Laws encourages all members of the community to come along and show they stand up against domestic violence.
Gold coin donations will be collected, with all money raised going to support White Ribbon’s prevention programs.
The Boggabilla and Toomelah communities will also be marching from Boggabilla Central School to the CTC building in Boggabilla on Friday.