Rallying against domestic violence in the community

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 ways of resolving conflict as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2011.

Social Worker at Armidale Community Health Pari Jay said the 16 days of Activism campaign is an opportunity for the community to learn about the impact of domestic abuse in families.

“It is imperative that ‘zero tolerance’ to violence should be a whole of community response. Raising awareness in our community with the 16 days of Activism campaign assists to get this message across,” Pari said.

“The importance of healthy, respectful relationships is our mission for our community.”

Research indicates:
 
• Children who live in an environment of domestic violence are impacted by long-term emotional and psychological harm
• Violence is not confined to any specific groups or certain 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 and verbal abuses where one person 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 or the loss of a job as an excuse for violence
• All forms of domestic violence have serious adverse effects on children and young people

The Armidale Domestic Violence Steering Committee has planned a number of activities to mark the 16 days of Activism campaign. These will include:
 
• Street stalls on 25 November 2011, 30 November 2011 and 7 December 2011.
• The Armidale Dumaresq Council will fly STOP DV flags from the Mall flag poles during the 16 days of Activism.
• The Reclaim the Night march and rally will be held on 9 December 2011 in the Armidale Mall in front of the Post Office. This will be followed by barbeque provided by the Armidale Harmony group at the rally (venue is weather permitting).

The White Ribbon Day (25 November 2011) also supports ‘zero-tolerance’ to violence in the community.

For more information about the local support that is available to help keep our community safe, please contact the Women’s Shelter on 1800 005 352, Women’s Housing Group 6772 8915 and the Women’s Centre 6772 9540.

Contact: Sharna McCarthy

Phone: 4921 4801