26 December 2007

Domestic violence impacts on the whole community – it’s not just a private matter. For this reason many community groups are getting together to promote healthy, non-violent relationships as part of the ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign starting 6 December.

According to ’16 days of Activism’ committee member Pari Jay, who works as a social worker at Armidale Community Health, there are many people who shake their heads at the rise in domestic violence, but don’t know how to do anything constructive to stop it.

"Now is your chance to learn more," she said.

The research indicates:

· children who live in an environment of domestic violence are more vulnerable to long-term emotional and psychological harm

· violence is not just confined to any specific groups or sections in the community

· domestic violence is specifically about ‘power, possession and control’ and not just about anger and conflict

· violence can be both overt and covert such as emotional, financial and social besides the obvious physical, sexual, verbal abuses where one exerts control by power-over tactics upon another

· violence is never a legitimate way of resolving relationship conflicts, and nor can people use alcohol and other drugs, poverty and loss of job as an excuse for violence.

She said it is imperative that ‘zero tolerance’ to violence towards children and women becomes a whole of community response, and raising awareness in our community with the "16 days of activism" campaign is a great start.

The domestic violence steering committee has planned a number of activities to celebrate the 16 days of activism. These will include:

· a "healthy relationship" activity and information stall in the mall on Thursday 6 December

· a "healthy relationship" presentation starring Australian comedian Denise Scott from ABC TV’s Spics and Specks will be held at the Old Teacher College theatre at 2pm on Saturday 8 December, looking at constructive ways of resolving conflict

· a tree planting day with the Armidale Tree Group to plant trees as a demonstration of activism against violence

· a "healthy relationship" book reading for children at the Armidale town library on Tuesday 11 December (to be confirmed), and

· a special feature film at the Belgrave (date to be confirmed).

Last Sunday was White Ribbon Day (25 November) and was another opportunity for men and women to support ‘zero-tolerance’ to violence in the community.

"Many men and women recognise that domestic violence is unacceptable and are willing to take a strong stand on this issue," Pari said.

For more information about the local support that’s available to help keep our community safe, please contact the Women’s Shelter on 6772 5352, Women’s Housing Group 6772 8915 and the Women’s Centre 6772 9540.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817