Westernport calls on community to take a stand against family violence

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11 November 2019

The Westernport Respectful Relationships Committee and Mornington Peninsula Shire are calling on the community to take a stand to end family violence by marching down Hastings High Street at 11.30am on Friday 22 November.

‘Westernport takes a stand against family violence’ is the theme of the community led march supporting an end to family violence.

Join your community at the march, ‘stand up, speak out and act’ to prevent violence against women.

Male violence against women and their children is recognised as a serious and widespread problem in Australia on locally on the Peninsula, with enormous individual and community impacts and social costs.

This social issue can be prevented by shifting the way we think about and behave in relation to gender and violence.

This can be achieved by:

  • Challenging condoning of violence against women
  • Promoting women’s independence and decision-making
  • Challenging gender stereotypes and roles
  • Strengthening positive, equal and respectful relationships

Shire Mayor David Gill said the Shire acknowledges that family violence is experienced by men, women and children.

“All forms of violence are unacceptable and family violence is a community issue that is preventable when we address gender inequity”.

Member of the Westernport Respectful Relationships Committee and Cerberus Ward Councillor Kate Roper said “this is an important issue Council has supported for many years but unfortunately there is still a lot of work to be done.

“It’s time to come together as a community and march for change”, concluded Cr Roper.

The Shire further supports the prevention of family violence with a statement of commitment for the prevention of family violence and our draft Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2030.

Learn more about what we’re doing at:

EVENT DETAILS:

Friday 22 November

11.30am Alfred Street Mall, Hastings (near Subway)

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