Breaking the silence around domestic violence

Westernport Water raises awareness by hosting a White Ribbon fundraiser

Westernport Water has organised a number of events to help raise awareness and much needed funds to support White Ribbon Australia’s work to end men’s violence against women. All funds raised will support primary prevention initiatives in schools, workplaces and the broader community.

Westernport Water Men are leading the charge to raise awareness in their workplace and the community by getting together for a lunch to raise much needed funds and get people talking so they can prevent men’s violence against women.

“Violence against women is at epidemic proportions. Devastatingly, over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence. This situation is intolerable in our community – it must stop, and now,” said Peter Quigley, Westernport Water Managing Director and White Ribbon Ambassador.

“Murder is at the pointy end of a broad spectrum of violence against women. A spectrum that encompasses financial, verbal, emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, as well as workplace harassment. They all form part of a devastating cycle of violence.

“And the women lost are not just statistics – they are wives, mothers, daughters, grand-daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends and colleagues. Most importantly, they are people, and the impact of the violence perpetrated against them is widespread and long-standing.

“Violence against women is never a private issue. We are holding this event to help break the silence around violence, to raise awareness of the issue as well as funds to support work to bring violence against women to an end.

“To help raise awareness the five Gippsland water corporations are running a number of workshops and tackling the issue from a regional perspective to work together on what is a very difficult topic.

“We want people to know that violence against women is unacceptable, it is never the victim’s fault and it’s not right to blame the victim – ever, help is always available and if you see something you should definitely say something. People need to know that they can make a difference; bringing an end to men’s violence against women will take a whole of community approach.”

Those who wish to support the critical work of White Ribbon Australia in the prevention of men’s violence against women can also make a tax deductible donation at www.whiteribbon.org.au/donate.

If you are experiencing violence or suspect someone else is, please contact 1800 RESPECT for advice and support.

In an emergency, call the police on 000.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Geoff Russell Communications and Public Relations Manager 0413 009 636¬¬

ENDS