LIMESTONE Coast White Ribbon ambassadors have stated it will be “business as usual” for community initiatives which target family and domestic violence awareness, despite the national organisation going into voluntarily liquidation last week.
While the decision has impacted advocates in the region, Limestone Coast leaders in the sector said regional events, including the International Day Against Violence Against Women (November 25) and the 16 Days of Activism, would continue.
“Where we sit here in Australia is that White Ribbon still has an incredibly important message to give and the essence of the program is about stopping men’s violence against women,” Limestone Coast Superintendent and White Ribbon ambassador Phil Hoff said.
Supt Hoff said it was disappointing the national body had not been more transparent on the issue.
“What we do know is the national body which has supported us has gone into liquidation,” Supt Hoff said.
“Clearly that means there is not enough money to pay the bills so for the rest of us, we are keen on just promoting the message.
“We do not need fundraising to any great extent – it does help the cause – but we are prepared to go out and speak to people one-on-one and try and get the message across.
“Ambassadors are about stopping men from committing offences because if we can stop men committing the offenses, then we do not have victims.”
Supt Hoff said while domestic violence was carried out by both genders, men engaging in violence against women was more commonly reported to Limestone Coast police.
Supt Hoff said White Ribbon ambassadors would continue to speak with young men, teaching and encouraging respectful behaviour.
“When two people get together they have a consensual trust and they are together for the reason they love and understand each other,” he said.
“It seems like such a betrayal when it disintegrates to the point of violence and what White Ribbon is about is putting a stop to that behaviour.”
The senior police officer said young men should learn how to be respectful to prevent both violence against women and other men.
“I find it interesting that some people wish to try and undermine the good work with people who are trying to address a serious problem by suggesting it is a free-for-all and that it is a two-way street,” he said.
“It definitely is, but our job as ambassadors is actually to speak to men and help them be proud of who they can be and learn how to be respectful to everyone and in doing so, being respectful to their partners and to
women.”
Fellow Limestone Coast White Ribbon ambassador Peter Zeitz said more support services should be made available for perpetrators of domestic violence.
“There is a court order program but there is not a lot else unless they are with other groups for that,” Mr Zeitz said.
“There also needs to be more of an understanding of modern men and they need to try and take ownership and control because that will help.”
Mr Zeitz said helping men understand their behaviours and expectations would provide better outcomes in the future.
“I do not believe there are many available programs here in the Limestone Coast or South Australia,” he said.
“I am sure there might be some counselling services that may get some funding for that in the future but for now it is limited.”
Support services currently available within the Limestone Coast include the Mount Gambier Family Relationship Centre and the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group.
