Play and movie focus on family violence
A committee formed to address the issue of family violence in Baw Baw Shire is hosting two events to promote and inform people of the issue.
The small committee, Our Watch Our Issue, has been meeting this year discussing and formulating actions around the issue of men’s violence against women.
The committee has initiated two events a play and a movie around the theme.
A Gippsland play, Shrew and other Lies will be performed at Drouin Secondary College theatre on December 5, while the movie, The Mask You Live In will screen at the Warragul Cinema on December 9.
Shakespeare’s Shrew and Other Lies, written by Deidre Marshall will be performed by Groundwork Youth Theatre at 2.30pm. The event will include an official launch of Gippsland Women’s Health Make the Link website by the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson.
The Mask You Live In examines how narrow definitions of masculinity, repressed emotions and popular gender stereotypes are harming our boys and men and unveils what we can do about it. It will screen at 7pm and will be followed by a special discussion panel.
Both events are part of Gippsland’s 16 days of activism, a global campaign against gender violence, including White Ribbon Day on November 25.
Our Watch Our Issue is a small community group comprising representatives of Gippsland Women’s Health, Warragul Police, Baw Baw Shire, Gippsport, Quantum, Warragul Gazette, church groups and community members. The group was formed following concerns about the escalation of men’s violence against women which has escalated to the extent that in Australia a man kills a woman he is or has been in a relationship with every week. These statistics reveal the horrifying scale of family violence.
The committee has been working on developing a vision to inform the community of the issue in the hope of preventing men’s violence against women.
Facilitator Gippsland Women’s Health promotion worker Tanya Kilgower said if people were serious about preventing men’s violence the solution was to understand the circumstances and attitudes that underpin and shape perpetration - gender inequality; rigid adherence to traditional gender roles; and the attitudes, norms, behaviours and practices that support violence.
GWH Mentors In Violence Prevention co-ordinator Sarah Smethurst said “through training and development, promotion of key messages and celebrating women, communities can make the link and make a difference in the lives of women, girls and families.
“All society benefits when women thrive,” she said.
The movie is a free event, however tickets are limited so bookings can be through Eventbrite at www.event brite.com.au/e/mask-you-live-inscreening-tickets-19415287648.
Bookings for the play ($10 each) can be made at shrewandotherlies.event brite.com.au
All proceeds from the play ticket sales will support Groundwork Youth Theatre’s upcoming performance in Stratford Upon Avon, England next year.