Jennie Elliot stands with Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group chairperson Sonya Mezinec during the White Ribbon Day breakfast last week.
MOUNT Gambier residents took a stand against domestic violence while supporting survivors at last week’s annual White Ribbon Day breakfast.
Despite a tumultuous few months for the White Ribbon organisation, which fell into liquidation before being sold to a West Australian-based domestic service, Mount Gambier showed unconditional support for the organisation’s ethos of eliminating violence against women.
Service providers and emergency services joined the general public at Frew Park on Friday morning for a free breakfast and to raise the profile of the important movement.
Soroptimist International Mount Gambier president Jennie Elliot said the event successfully raised awareness around domestic violence.
“We have been going for over 40 years now and part of our priority is to help women and children who are disadvantaged which includes families going through domestic violence,” Ms Elliot said.
“Over a period of time, we have supported women who are going out and starting again and we do this through starter packs and laundry packs.
“This then allows them to have new things in their home and helps them set themselves up.”
Ms Elliot said the volunteer service had supported Centrecare Limestone Coast Domestic Violence and other organisations helping women moving forward with their lives.
“We are trying to do things that are practical and advocate for the groups also surrounding homelessness,” she said.
“We have been supporting White Ribbon day for quite a few years now, especially since it has had its presence here in Mount Gambier.
“It is beautiful to recognise the work that has been done and the significance of White Ribbon.”
Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group chairperson Sonya Mezinec said the event aimed to change people’s attitudes and highlight the issue around respect for women.
“Events like this are about bringing the community together and showing domestic violence is something we want stopped,” Ms Mezinec said.
“Over the past decade, we have seen a much greater awareness around domestic violence.
“For a lot of people experiencing it, there is a bit of shame.
“Victims of domestic violence also experience a lot of fear around seeking help.”
Ms Mezinec said the event provided community members with important information about organisations available to help people leaving domestic violence situations.
She praised the widespread community support of the morning event, saying community members, educational staff and students, attended the day.
“We see a lot of support from the community not only at events but also just day to day,” she said.
“Groups come together and support one another in terms of being able to achieve improvements for our community.
“For us, there is a lot of collaboration to ensure we can raise the issue and support those experiencing domestic violence and help them move forward with their lives.”
Ms Mezinec said while statistics showed most of the violence is perpetrated by men, women were not always the only victims.
“We do find there are some men who have experienced violence from a female partner and of course there is also violence in homosexual relationships,” she said.
“We also know of course that not all men are violent and there are services who can support men that are experiencing domestic violence.”
Ms Mezinec said the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group supports all victims of crime and has previously supported male
victims.
“Violence is about the power and control the perpetrator feels towards the victim,” she said.
“That is the reason why it happens because they are losing control and want it back,” she said.
Anyone needing help can contact Centacare Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service on 8723 1385 or in an emergency call 000.
