By GARRY HOWE
A FIRE lit in the conscience of more than 100 community leaders across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia as part of the three-year Challenge Family Violence program that will never be extinguished.
That’s the opinion of Christiaan O’Dea from the Department of Justice and Regulation who was part of the ground-breaking project that winds up this month.
“I challenge participants to continue with their work in this area,” he told a recent showcase event at the City of Casey.
“This program has lit a fire within this group that cannot be extinguished.”
The Challenge Family Violence program enlisted the help of predominantly male community leaders across the three municipal areas to pledge their support for the White Ribbon principles and seek to change attitudes and behaviour towards women in their spheres of influence.
They participated in a series of workshops to be better informed about attitudes towards women in society that can lead to family violence – things like gender inequality, stereotyping and male privilege.
Then Cardinia Mayor Leticia Wilmot applauded the initiative as fostering prevention through leadership.
“The program focused on men and the faith and sporting communities and had dedicated women leading the way,” she said.
Cr Wilmot said the issue of family violence needed a whole-of-community response and the Challenge program went a long way to achieving that.
“It was able to use community leaders as agents for change,” she said.
Casey Mayor Sam Aziz noted that Victoria Police respond to 70,000 family violence cases each year.
“This has to change,” he said.
“We must get to a place where every woman and child feels safe.”
Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades closed proceedings with an insightful and personal message.
Cr Blades said she grew up in an area where family violence was rife, yet it remained in the home, behind closed doors.
“People didn’t talk about it, let alone act on it,” she said.
“I am proud to be a part of an organisation that is taking such a public stance.
“The people who will benefit are those involved in violent relationships, who will be for not much longer.”
* Star News Group editor Garry Howe participated in the Challenge Family Violence program.
If you need help contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188 or via www.safesteps.org.au.
