Peel Says No To Violence alliance launch hears heartbreaking stories | Photos

Peel Says No To Violence would bring together community groups and individuals committed to doing their bit to end the crisis in Peel, with schools, sporting clubs and non-profits all signing up.

The alliance, which was launched by Mandurah MP David Templeman and Dawesville MP Zak Kikrup, would ask groups and individual to pledge to do something to help the region overcome domestic violence.

A domestic violence survivor told a heartbreaking story of her husband's violence towards her and her children at the launch.

Peta, who did not give her last name, said her husband first punched her when she was 26 and her children were toddlers.

She was punched, kicked, beaten and threatened over the course of 20 years.

Peta said six weeks after her second child was born he turned the gas on and threatened to blow up the house.

“He would flick the light on and off saying he was going to kill himself and the baby and it would be my fault,” she said.

“My oldest daughter was five then and she and I were outside and he wouldn’t let me inside to get the baby.”

She called the police and he was imprisoned for 12 months. Peta said he spent considerable time in prison over the years before she managed to escape.

She described the feelings of guilt that still plagued her, even after her husband died.

Mandurah MP David Templeman said the alliance was an opportunity for the community to come together to ensure the scourge of domestic violence was stopped.

“Whether it be young people or older people, whether it be people of various backgrounds, financial circumstances, we know that in this community sadly and tragically too many people, particularly many, many women die through domestic violence incidents,” he said.

Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup said since being elected he heard stories about family and domestic violence constantly.

“I find it so saddening, especially when we talk about the children, and the families, even more so as we come to Christmas which all of us know is a more stressful time when we see a rise of incidents occurring,” he said.

For more information go to peelsaysnotoviolence.org.au.