Council takes anti-domestic violence oath

The City of Rockingham officially backed the White Ribbon campaign on Monday, with councillors and directors taking an oath to stand up, speak up and act to prevent violence against women and children.

Originating in Canada in 1991, the White Ribbon campaign has grown to be active in more than 60 countries and is the world’s largest male-led movement to end violence against women and children

Mayor Barry Sammels has supported the campaign for the past three years and said by signing the oath, councillors and directors were setting an example as community and organisational leaders.

“In Australia, the statistics are one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence, perpetrated by someone known to them,” Mr Sammels said.

“Domestic violence is the principal cause of homelessness in women and children and two in five assaults reported to the police in 2016 were related to family or domestic violence.

“We are sending the message to the community that violence is not OK and we as a City want to put an end to domestic and family violence.”

Minister for Child Protection, Women’s Interests, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and Community Services Simone McGurk said White Ribbon Day also marked the start of the State Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign.

“White Ribbon Australia has a vision of ‘a nation that respects women, in which every woman lives in safety, free from all forms of men’s abuse’,” Ms McGurk said.

“It’s crucial that the Rockingham community gets behind the 16 Days in WA campaign.

“In Australia, one woman is killed each week at the hands of her current or former partner, and there are tens of thousands of incidents each year in WA.

“As a community, and as Government, we must stay focused on changing the conversation that allows family and domestic violence to go unchallenged, to be misunderstood, and even ignored.”

In addition to the Council and the executive team signing the oath, the City is also promoting White Ribbon Day this week with displays at Centrelink, South Coastal Health, Relationships Australia, the City of Rockingham Library, the City’s administration building and the South Metro Regional Educational Office.