By Cam Lucadou-Wells
CASEY’S 300,000 residents haven’t forked out a cent to support a former cop’s family violence shock-ad campaign.
A paltry $245 has been donated to former constable Damien Howard’s crowdfunding site this month, with no contributions coming from Casey residents.
This is despite Casey leading the state for family violence incidents reported to Victoria Police.
A “bewildered” Mr Howard said he might have to scale back on his $7000 budget, though fund-raising will continue throughout this month.
“I wanted to make a really high-quality commercial.
“I don’t want it just shown on YouTube, I want it on commercial TV and in cinemas.”
Maybe, the lean result shows complacency about the issue, or maybe people are just unable to navigate the Indiegogo crowdfunding website, he said.
In recent weeks, Mr Howard – now a film school student – has thus far fruitlessly approached the State Government, the state opposition, Victoria Police and White Ribbon Foundation.
As a cop in Cranbourne and Narre Warren, Mr Howard saw hundreds of households wrecked by abusive husbands and dads in Casey.
No other issue took up so much police time, he said.
“There are a lot of organisations doing great work for victims but I feel it’s not enough – especially considering the number of people affected.
“It’s a wonder the campaign’s not seen everywhere – on bus shelters and in school curriculums.”
The crowdfunding campaign ends on 27 November.
Every $1 in $10 donated will go to the White Ribbon Foundation.
To donate, go to www.indiegogo.com and enter ‘No More Tolerance’ in the search bar, or deposit into bank account name Damien Howard, BSB 063359, account number 10084498.
