Massive crowd walk to end domestic violence

Thousands came together today in a stand against domestic violence, embarking on the walk from Randwick to Coogee in the name of ending domestic violence.

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Thousands came together today in a stand against domestic violence.

Sporting white ribbons and banners, the community embarked on the walk from Randwick to Coogee as part of a campaign to end domestic violence.

The White Ribbon Walk was led by advocate Dr Angela Jay, who knows all too well the effects of domestic violence. In 2016 she was stabbed 11 times and doused in petrol by her former partner.

White Ribbon Ambassador Dr Angela Jay speaking after the walk Picture: Monique Harmer

The trauma that was inflicted on Dr Jay is certainly not an isolated incident, with NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller saying it is a disturbing trend.

“In the past 12 months alone, police have responded to more than 126,000 domestic-related incidents, which have a lasting impact on everyone involved,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“Death or injury from domestic and family violence is tragic and unacceptable, and why we all as a community must reaffirm our ongoing commitment to preventing such acts.”

Michael Fuller, Commissioner of Police, addresses the crowd. Image: Monique Harmer

The walk from Randwick to Coogee is one of the largest White Ribbon events in the country and sees upwards of 10,000 people make the 2km journey.

Prior to the walk, Dr Jay told the Southern Courier that she was very honoured to be asked to take part in the White Ribbon Walk.

“For me, physically kind of making a stand for something and walking along with other people also taking a stand against violence in our community — I think it’s a very powerful thing to be a part of,” Dr Jay said.

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Commissioner Fuller said events like White Ribbon Day were a way of calling out and exposing negative behaviour.

“By coming together for events like White Ribbon Day, we take a public stand against perpetrators and show that this behaviour will not and should not be tolerated by anyone.

“While it remains clear a significant number of incidents go unreported, we encourage the community to contact police with any information about such occurrences.”

Participants embraced the event, with the whole community coming together. Image: Monique Harmer

Opposition Leader Michael Daley, Liberal MP and Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson and Coogee state Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith were among the community leaders and students that took part in the walk. Mayor Neilson addressed the crowd, sending a strong message against domestic violence.

“Putting an end to domestic violence unfortunately does not happen overnight, but if we commit to it each day and each play our part then we as a community can make a difference,” Mayor Neilson said.

“Teach boys from a young age to respect women and that there is no excuse for violence and to the men here today, be a positive role model. Give boys and young men someone to look up to.”