Hundreds support victims of family violence at Greater Dandenong’s Walk Against Violence
MORE than 500 people braved blustering winds and pelting rain to show support for the victims of family violence in Greater Dandenong’s annual walk on Tuesday.
South East
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MORE than 500 people braved blustering winds and pelting rain to show support for the victims of family violence in Greater Dandenong’s annual walk on Tuesday.
First time participant and Springvale Neighbourhood House teacher Jo Scott, who knows people affected by domestic violence, said more money and programs were desperately needed.
“Family violence doesn’t stop because it rains,” she said.
Noble Park’s Dawn Vernon, president of Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong, said she came to “stand up for victims.”
“I want to help make people aware that it’s okay to leave,” the 71-year-old said.
Violence Free Families ambassador and iconic pop singer Colleen Hewett said it was a fight close to her heart.
During an impassioned speech, Ms Hewett told the crowd she knew how it felt to be intimidated in her own home.
“I have cowered under a raised fist, I have been beaten and made to suffer,” Ms Hewett said.
“It took me a long time, but I reached out and I am no longer in that situation.
“I encourage any of you and all of you, regardless of which side you’re on, being afraid or being afraid of yourself, to get help.”
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said family violence affected people from all walks of life.
“As a council and as a community, we are pushing for national, cultural change. We are committed to showing the broader community that family violence is never OK,” Mr Memeti said.
Meanwhile, latest Crime Agency Statistics reveal the scourge of domestic violence continues to rise across Greater Dandenong, with a jump of in the past year, up from 2115 incidents in 2014/2015.
Greater Dandenong police Sergeant Max Walker said domestic violence was difficult from a policing perspective. “It’s a large, diverse community, with lots of expectations and understandings through the various cultures that don’t necessarily agree with each other,” Sgt Walker said.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Sara-Jane Delaney said Victoria police had responded to more than 78.000 incidents of family violence last financial year. “That is more than 200 a day,” Ms Delaney said.
“We know that often people are victims of seven or eight incidents of family violence before they call police.”
She said research indicated that it is an under reported crime with a number of factors contributing to violence against women.
“The most significant contributors are the unequal distribution of power between men and women and adherence to rigidly defined gender roles,” she said.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call triple-0. To talk to someone about what you are experiencing call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) 24/7.