Outstanding call for help

THE campaign to end the scourge of family violence has stepped up in Geelong with a large roadside sign.

Villawood Properties has erected giant letters at Wandana, along the Geelong Ring Road, encouraging motorists to “call it out” (above).

The message is a reference to the State Government’s Respect Women: Call It Out campaign.

The initiative encourages men to call out sexism and gender violence, which are factors that have been identified as the main drivers of family violence.

Villawood Properties CEO Phil Hanna said he hoped the sign would help connect the community on an important issue.

“Recent assaults on women have highlighted concerns by many people in the community about attitudes and behaviour towards women,” he said.

“Recent behaviour by high-profile figures have highlighted serious shortcomings by key role models in the community. Families — women and children especially — need to be safe from violence.

“It’s a conversation that needs to be had and a message we believe in.”

The giant steel letters are seen by tens of thousands of motorists travelling the Geelong Ring Road each day.

They have previously been used to highlight community issues ranging from road safety to marriage equality.