‘Intimate terrorism’: Advocates push to ‘change culture’ of domestic and family violence during annual walk in Ballina

The Ballina community is becoming more aware and responsive to the issue of domestic violence – making a stand at a community march.

Over 1000 participants took to the streets in Ballina on November 29 to march for positive relationships and to say no to domestic violence. Picture: Andy Garlepp

The Ballina community are becoming more aware and responsive to the issue of domestic violence.

More than 1000 people took to the streets of the coastal tourist town on Friday to demonstrate, advocate, and educate the community about domestic and family violence.

Participants walked from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre along River and Cherry Streets to the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre and enjoyed dance and music performances by Ballina Coast High School students and listened to inspiring speakers.

More than 1000 participants took to the streets in Ballina on November 29 to march for positive relationships and to say no to domestic violence. Picture: Andy Garlepp

The walk on Friday was about creating awareness of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) during the internationally recognised call to action against gender-based violence ‘16 Days of Activism’ from the November 25 – December 10.

“Statistically this gender-based violence will occur 27 times before a victim reports it,” Rotary Pacific domestic and family violence project lead Dave Harmon said.

The march went from Ballina Visitor Information Centre along River and Cherry Streets to the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre. Picture: Andy Garlepp

“If you objectify women, speak about women in a disparaging manner, speak to women with disrespect or ignore consent, then you are part of the problem”.

Mr Harmon said a majority of the violence occurred with intimate relationships, inside the family home where women and children seek safety and trust.

He said it happens in every street in every town and city without any cultural, socio-economic, racial, or religious boundaries.

Ballina is becoming more aware of the issues around domestic violence. Picture: Andy Garlepp

Schools, sporting groups, service organisations and community members alike joined together with Rotarians, NSW Police, NSW Fire and Rescue and local bus company Buslines to deliver a firm message of “yes” to respectful relationships.

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who is a staunch advocate of the purple shirt initiative, applauded Rotary for its ongoing commitment to leading the way with this campaign.

“We had a really good mix of people so I think the momentum is there for sure.

“We have students involved because it’s going to take that generational change and it has to start.”

Ms Cadwallader said the walk is to raise awareness of not only physical violence, but financial, emotional, and any controlling or coercive violence.

Richmond police district Inspector Nigel Howard told a packed Ballina Indoor Sports Centre that domestic and family violence was a crime.

“I encouraged everyone who may experience or witness to come forward to police and receive the help and support they require,” Insp Howard said.

Rotary Pacific, domestic and family violence project lead, Dave Harmon, left, Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Inspector Nigel Howard Richmond Police District, at the annual Ballina walk against domestic violence held on Friday, November 29.

Mr Harmon said the campaign was a “whole of community problem” needing a whole of community approach for positive change.

He called out DFV as “abuse”, “intimate terrorism” and “bullying of the worst kind” by the hands of those who are meant to love and protect us.

“This behaviour is inappropriate and has to stop,” he said.

“A respectful relationship requires good communication, the ability to resolve conflict peacefully and problem-solving skills teamed with kindness, patience and caring. Basic social skills really.”

Mr Harmon said you can’t solve a problem you aren’t aware of or don’t believe exists and the Ballina community are now more aware and responsive to the issue than they were six years ago when the campaign first launched.

The march was held to inspire positive relationships and to say no to domestic violence. Picture: Andy Garlepp

“NSW Police and Rotary place this social issue as one of the major challenges facing our communities today and there is much to do if we are to see positive change,” he said.

“It is hoped that we all put women’s and children’s safety as a high priority, that means as men we hold each other accountable, in our workplace, sporting team, family even at the pub or wherever you hang out with your mates.

“Don’t be a bystander. We have the ability to drive this change,” Mr Harmon said.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]