Time to speak out

I wish to congratulate Star News Group on its coverage of White Ribbon Day in the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette and Berwick News last week.
Family violence is a blight on our community.
In my time as a police officer, I regularly came in to contact with families affected by violence.
I know many more cases went unreported.
Increased reporting is vital to uncovering violence against women and children.
The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to raising awareness of and preventing violence against women, which is reflected in Victoria’s Action Plan to Address Violence against Women and Children – Everyone has a Responsibility.
The plan covers prevention, early intervention and response measures, including a bystander program to encourage people with knowledge of violence to report it to the police.
It is no longer good enough for neighbours, families and friends to ignore the signs of violence against women and children because they ‘don’t want to get involved.’ Everyone has a responsibility to act.
It is good to see a media outlet take such a strong position on this issue.
Brad Battin MP,
Member for Gembrook.