Today is White Ribbon Day, part of a nationwide campaign to stop violence against women, and the communities of Melton and Moorabool have jumped on board to make the campaign their own.
Both councils, joined by police and local health and family services, will hold events to promote zero tolerance against domestic and family violence.
One in four women experiences some form of domestic violence. White Ribbon encourages Australians to take an oath to treat women with respect.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell has taken that oath and is a proud ambassador of White Ribbon Day.
“The pressures of the modern world have put family violence at the forefront and it’s time we took a stance,” he said.
“We’ll continue to spread the message that violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstance.”
Cr Tatchell said women who felt trapped by domestic violence needed to know they weren’t alone.
“There’s help at hand and people really do care,” he said.
Melton police’s Acting Sergeant and family violence liaison officer, Luke Bristow, said domestic violence was a major issue in Melton.
“We’re always looking at ways we can drive down family violence,” Acting Sergeant Bristow said.
For family violence help, contact Women’s Health West 9689 9588 (during business hours) or the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Services of Victoria on 1800 015 188 (after hours).
For more information or to donate visit www.whiteribbon.org.au
