By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE president of the Casey Multi-faith Network has urged all faith communities to draw on the White Ribbon message beyond this month.
President Jim Reiher encouraged the community at a special White Ribbon dinner held at the Casey Council chambers last Thursday, in recognition of White Ribbon Day on 25 November.
“We’re combining the multi-faith network with the Challenge Family Violence group and we’re encouraging people to stand with other men and women who are standing against violence against women,” Mr Reiher said at the dinner.
“We want this to be a really important night – a night that informs, challenges and inspires you to act.
“Not just to listen and forget about it, but to leave you with an action plan so you can put some things into practice straight away to help the cause.”
Mr Reiher, a Challenge Family Violence mentor, has been a passionate supporter of the News’ White-Ribbon campaign, run throughout November to raise awareness of the issue.
Attending the dinner on Thursday were Dandenong Interfaith president Helen Heath, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, Gembrook MP Brad Battin, Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley, liberal candidates Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett, Greens candidate Lynette Keleher, Casey mayor Mick Morland and several councillors.
“The violence perpetrated by men against women must stop and it’s up to men to join the fight with women to stop it,” Mr Reiher said.
“The victims aren’t just statistics – they’re wives, sisters, mothers, daughters, friends. Men, we cannot sit on the sidelines.”
Mr Reiher quoted statistics indicating that one in three Australian women will experience physical assault during their lifetime perpetrated by a male, while one in five will experience sexual assault.
He also said the leading contributor to disability and preventable death for Australian women aged between 15 to 44 is male violence against them.
Guests at the dinner engaged in a roundtable discussion over supper, following a presentation from Dr Ree Bodde, a family violence researcher.
“Violence is a choice, not an instinct and it is never excusable. We are not pre-wired for aggression, otherwise the existence of peaceable people would be inexplicable,” Dr Bodde said.
“Men have a key role to play in preventing violence against women.
“We know that the victim of violence on Australian women and their children can cross lines of age, ethnicity, ability and class. And for some women, that impact is lethal.”
For help or support regarding family violence, call the 24-hour Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service Victoria (WDVCS) on 1800 015 188 or visit www.asksomeone.org.au. Call triple-zero if in immediate danger.
