Club takes steps against domestic violence
A GOLD Coast Rotary club is marking its 100th anniversary by taking a stance against family and domestic violence.
Rotary in Australia is celebrating a century of service with a baton relay but the Gold Coast Passport Rotary Club took it a step further by taking over the baton and marching for a cause.
Club president-elect Kasia Brzezicka said the members chose to “say no to domestic violence” this Mother’s Day and encouraged others to join them.
Ms Brzezicka said the club would take the baton at Burleigh Heads Surf Life Saving Club and walk to north Burleigh in solidarity for all mothers affected by domestic violence.
“I feel like there is a real issue in our community with domestic violence and we need to talk about it loud and look out for one another and that’s when things will start changing,” Ms Brzezicka said.
“The more we talk about it I believe affected women and men will feel more comfortable to seek help.”
Ms Brzezicka said there was no “quick fix” for domestic violence but believed educating children about healthy relationships and boundaries was a start.
She said the club was looking to teach in Gold Coast schools a domestic violence and respectful relationships program called Love Bites.
“The Love Bites program promotes a clear, consistent approach to the issues of relationship violence from workers and teachers in local communities.
“It’s already taught in schools in the Northern Rivers but we are looking at adopting the program here.”
Join the Gold Coast Passport Rotary Club at 7am on Sunday at Burleigh Heads Surf Life Saving Club.