Rotary donates umbrellas to police with important domestic violence message

Police will offer support to domestic and family violence victims without saying a word every time they open one of their new umbrellas.

Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond member Robyn Harmon says new umbrellas that have been donated to police will offer support and reassurance to the community.

Richmond police have received 150 umbrellas that will raise awareness of domestic and family violence every time they are opened.

Talking about the issue is a key part of reducing it, according to Superintendent Scott Tanner, who on Friday was given the umbrellas bearing an important message - say no to domestic violence.

“Let people talk about it, to your family and friends, and most importantly, report it to police, so we can assist,” he said.

He said the umbrellas were a simple initiative.

“But when we are out in the public, it’s a visual reminder that we are here to support people,” he said.

Rotary-on-Richmond club member Robyn Harmon said the umbrellas created a strong visual message.

“Officers don’t need to say anything but just by opening the umbrellas they will signal to people that they can help if they need support,” she said.

Mrs Harmon said the initiative complemented her organisation’s Love Bites domestic violence prevention program which involved club members and police doing interactive workshops at high schools.

“We just delivered Love Bites to all students in years 7, 8, 9 and 10 at Mullumbimby High,” she said.

“We also did Love Bites for years 7 and 8 at Byron Bay High School and Ballina Coast High School will be next in our list, hopefully.”

Mrs Harmon said almost 1000 school students had completed the program this year.

Rotary District Governor Jeff Egan presents the new umbrellas to Superintendent Scott Tanner in Ballina on Friday.

NSW Police domestic violence co-ordinator Kiah Bowen said Rotary had also supported police by organising activities such as the Say No to Domestic Violence Walk.

“They have one due this year on November 19,” she said.

“Also, from November 25 to December 10, we have the 16 Days of Activism, with a lot of domestic violence awareness events.”

Ballina MP Tamara Smith said police had seen an increase in domestic violence incidents in the area during the pandemic.

“That’s a major concern,” she said.

“The true numbers are quite hidden, we need to ask for more resources, particularly with emergency housing in our area.

“We only have one refuge in Ballina and that’s being held together by glue.”

Ms Smith said community organisation Momentum Collective was raising money for the Ballina Women and Children’s Refuge after its funding stream dried up in July.