HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend today’s White Ribbon Day march, making a stand against domestic violence.
South West Family Protection coordinator Sergeant Don McLean said numbers would be up on last year’s march as domestic violence awareness plays out on a national level.
He said reports were increasing due to a number of factors but with an increase in domestic violence attention, it was easier for people to raise and talk about the issue.
“Information is more readily available in relation to what assistance is available and it is certainly talked about a lot more in mainstream media,” he said.
“Today is about highlighting the issues and getting away from the stigma.
“It is what we turn a blind eye to as a society that defines us, if we ignore it its sending the wrong message.”
He said starting the conversation was as easy as attending the march and wearing a white ribbon, signifying being not violet and not silent.
“Getting men talking about the issue amongst them is giving women the courage to get assistance,” he said.
“It has been called the silent epidemic in the past as it is kept behind the closed doors and it is about highlighting the fact that any form of abuse is not ok.
“People hear domestic violence and still think of the battered housewife but it is more than physical abuse.
The White Ribbon Day march is leaving from the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery at 10.45am before going through Victoria Street to Anzac park.
Sergeant McLean said the ceremony was a way for people to stand united against all forms of domestic violence.
“The White Ribbon Day ceremony is at 11am with guest speakers and the opportunity for wreath laying,” Sergeant McLean said.
“There is a free barbecue at the conclusion of the ceremony to please stay and have something to eat and speak to local service providers if need be.
“We need to instigate cultural change, we’ve done it with drink driving and smoking and now we need men to break the cycle of domestic violence.”
White Ribbon Day in Bunbury
10.45am White Ribbon Day March leaves the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery. All are welcome to attend. The March heads through Victoria Street and ends at Anzac Park.
11am White Ribbon Day ceremony with guest speakers and the opportunity to lay wreathes. There will be live music and the releasing of ballons.
11.30am Free barbecue and the opportunity to network with service providers.
