The people of Forbes came together on Tuesday in a humbling display of community spirit to show that they say no to domestic violence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hundreds of people, including the whole of Forbes High School, students from Forbes Public School, Forbes North Public School and Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes Shire Council staff and councillors, community organisations and members of the general public, turned out to participate in the community march for White Ribbon Day.
Forbes High School captains led the march down Lachlan Street holding a banner with the White Ribbon Day oath and all students carried a white balloon which they released at the end of the event at Victoria Park.
White Ribbon Day ambassador and principal of Forbes High School, Charles Dwyer MC’d the event at Victoria Park, which included talks from mayor Ron Penny, Superintendent Chris Taylor, representatives from Forbes High School and the 2015 White Ribbon Day ambassador Jaromir Sladek, as well as musical performances from a number of students.
Mr Dwyer called on everyone, particularly men, to speak up and step up and led everyone in a swearing of the White Ribbon Day oath.
“I challenge all men here today to join the 148,000 others to swear the white ribbon oath,” he said.
“Together we can stop men’s violence against women and make all communities safer for women.
“We need to broadcast a message to everyone that it is okay to speak up.”
Forbes mayor Ron Penny said domestic violence is a whole community problem that must stop.
“Nine hundred and three men, women and children have suffered abuse throughout this region - that must cease, it can’t go on,” he said.
“As mayor, you have my support.”
Lachlan Local Area Command Superintendent Chris Taylor said the White Ribbon campaign is the only national, male-led campaign.
“The idea of the campaign is that all women can live in safety, free from all forms of man’s violence,” he said.
“It takes real men to drive this campaign.”
Supt. Taylor said that according to the NSW Bureau of Statistics, over the last five years, recorded incidents of domestic violence have increased.
“In 2013/14 in NSW, 79 domestic violence incidences are reported each day,” he said.
“In Forbes, one is reported every five days, in Lachlan, one every six days and in Parkes, one every four.
“Think of three women in your life and statistically, one of them will report having experienced physical or sexual violence in their life.
“The silence of victims and survivors is a matter that we must address...often this is due to fear of not being believed, fear of being shamed, the fear of the perpetrator, fear of the justice system and fear of isolation.
“We must instill in women a trust that they are not alone.”
2015 White Ribbon Day ambassador, Jaromir Sladek is an Aboriginal case manager with Brighter Futures in Parkes.
Mr Sladik has been working with domestic violence victims for nine years and has been involved with White Ribbon Day for the last five years and said he decided to step up to be a White Ribbon ambassador for his three daughters.
“I know what blokes are like,” he said.
“If I can try and change the thinking of men towards women, hopefully my daughters will have a better chance at being in a good relationship.
“We can all do our little bit to advocate against domestic violence and show that it’s not on and it’s not okay - it’s never okay to be treated violently or be in a violent relationship.”
Forbes is in the top 10 towns in NSW for rates of domestic violence per capita.