Call for an end to family violence

Wet weather did not deter the enthusiasm of people attending the White Ribbon barbecue in Warragul last month.

About 40 people attended the event which was transferred from Civic Park Warragul to the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

White Ribbon Day is held internationally to call for the end of men’s violence against women.

The event was organised by the lobby group Our Watch Our Issue in conjunction with Baw Baw Shire, Warragul Police and Warragul Rotary Club.

A highlight of the event was the attendance of students from Drouin Secondary College and Trafalgar Primary School. Both schools take part in the Respectful Relationships program.

Baw Baw police services area inspector Alison Crombie spoke about the cost of family violence in the community.

She said two members responding to a report of family violence could be working on the one case for four hours.

“Considering our 24 hour station at Warragul also services Drouin, Trafalgar and Neerim South that can tie up officers for a long time and place demands elsewhere.

She said the newly appointed family violence unit had made the issue easier for victims and the police.

Newly appointed officer in charge of the unit Detective Michael Thek said the unit had been established as a result of the Royal Commission into family violence which resulted from the murder of Luke Batty by his father.

Det Thek said it was important that the unit established trust between police and the victim.

“We want people to be safe, confident and supported to report family violence,” he said.

He said family violence was not discriminatory.

“It could be happen ing to someone living in a million dollar house. It may not always be violence but it may be emotionally or financially controlling behaviour<” he said.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Mikaela Power said it was important for council to set a standard and encourage respect for everyone.

She said it was important that the lobby group Our Watch Our Issue was driving action on the issues of family violence at a local level.

Students from Drouin Secondary College Scott Simpson-Brauer, Renee Davidson, Jade Baker and Maddi Shaw said it was important people realised violence against women would not be tolerated.

Renee Davidson said everyone understand the issues because “It takes more than one person to make change.”

Trafalgar Primary School students said their message was simple; everyone is respected, valued and treated equally.

The students said they had undertaken a number of activities to keep the conversation going. They said one activity of tying orange ribbons around trees was a great success.