Nelson Bay White Ribbon march
ABOUT 70 people turned out to the Port Stephens Domestic Violence Committee’s inaugural White Ribbon march on Monday.
Residents, police, members of the committee and people from services that deal with domestic violence in Port Stephens gathered at Fly Point Park before walking along the foreshore to d’Albora Marinas.
There, speeches were made by the committee’s chairwoman, Sue Pollock; Port Stephens police commander Superintendent Craig Rae; Michael Ovey, from Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services, and resident Roger Yeo, about the impact domestic violence has on all people.
Mr Yeo spoke about losing his daughter, Rachelle, 31, two years ago to domestic violence.
Mr Ovey implored men to help change Australia’s culture of violence.
Ms Pollock recounted stories told by Port Stephens children aged 10 and under about how domestic violence impacts on their lives.
Mr Rae spoke about the facts confronting Australians about the rate of domestic violence occurring.
Following the speeches, men were encouraged to leave their mark – a painted handprint – on a banner which would be used at next year’s march.
The march was part of White Ribbon Australia’s 16 days of activism, to help highlight the issue of domestic violence.
