A GROUP of dedicated locals has been tying up their laces and pushing themselves to the limit over the past few weeks in support of domestic violence victims throughout the country.
Taking part in the Run Against Violence event, the 20 committed Limestone Coast residents are aiming to break the silence and remove the stigma and social barriers that prevent people in domestic violence situations from asking for help.
Initially started by Australian Kirrily Dear in 2014 with a 860km solo run, the event has continued to grow with over 200 groups of 10 from all across the country this year banding together and running 1300km over 19 days.
Ms Dear tackled the 1300km by herself from Broken Hill to Sydney to give a voice to the often silent victims of domestic violence – the children
Taking part for the first time, local resident Belinda Seaman said she was blown away by the huge and immediate response she received from the community from those wanting to join her in the challenge.
“We are all very passionate about this cause – as our action shows – some members of our team have experienced family violence personally, others have witnessed it or dealt with the consequences through their work, some have no personal experiences, but we are all determined to make a change,” she said.
The team consisting of residents from Mount Gambier, Mil Lel, Allendale East, Millicent and Naracoorte are all aged in their 30s to 50s with 19 women and one man.
“We have done this challenge around work, study and family commitments and only structured exercise country so we can’t count our daily steps while at work,” Ms Seaman said.
“As we ran we thought of Kirrily Dear and how much pain she must be in – we are averaging 7km a day while Kirrily is averaging 70 to 80km a day, that is almost two marathons a day, a superhuman effort.”
Sharing their stories over the 19 days, the group’s main aim was to break the silence and remove the stigma around domestic violence.
“By educating the community we may be able to recognise the signs of domestic violence in our own community and assist a family in need,” Ms Seaman said.
“However, for me the highlight has been the stories I have been told – although devastating it has been fantastic to hear from friends about their experiences with domestic violence.
“People I have known for years that have never talked about this topic have opened up to me.
“That is what this journey has been all about and I am so proud that our message is reaching the community.”
Although the local group has already reached the 1300km goal with two days to go to Sunday, the dedicated participants are still donning their active wear and pounding the pavement until the very last minute.
“We are all a little crazy and very sore,” Ms Seaman said.
“We hope our actions over the 19 days will encourage people to consider the long-lasting and painful effects of being a victim of domestic violence.
“It affects not only the person, but their family and the community as well.
“If you need help please reach out today.”
As well as the running part of the challenge the group is also raising funds for Run Against Violence to assist in their mission.
After the first solo run was completed a documentary to raise awareness about intimate partner violence was produced.
Following the latest event, one of the projects will include a documentary focusing on the effects of family violence on children.
Visit stepstogetherultramarathon.gofundraise.com.au/page/BelindaSeaman to donate to the cause.
