White Ribbon ambassador Peter Kenworthy does not look at domestic violence statistics as mere numbers.
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He calls them for what they are - people who deserve to be treated better.
"They are women lost and are not just statistics – they are wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends and colleagues. Most importantly, they are people, and the impact of the violence perpetrated against them is widespread and long-standing,” he said.
Mr Kenworthy, who spoke at a White Ribbon event today (November 23), said the local and national statistics were shocking.
"Violence against women is at epidemic proportions. Devastatingly, over 12 months, on average, one woman was killed every week in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence," he said.
"Murder is at the pointy end of a broad spectrum of violence against women.
“It’s a spectrum that encompasses financial, verbal, emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, as well as workplace harassment.
“They all form part of a devastating cycle of violence. In the Shoalhaven last year, there were 339 incidents of domestic assaults, 109 of sexual assault and a horrendous 438 incidents of harassment and threatening behaviour.”
On today’s White Ribbon Day (November 23) Shoalhaven City Council, in partnership with the Nowra Domestic Violence Committee, hosted a morning tea at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
The two groups are both proud ambassadors in the fight against violence against women.
Mayor of Shoalhaven City, Councillor Amanda Findley said council continues to support the Shoalhaven’s White Ribbon movement.
“Sadly violence against women is still prevalent in our community with recent statistics highlighting that one in two women have experienced sexual harassment during her lifetime,” Cr Findley said.
“We want people to know that violence against women in any way is unacceptable and our morning tea on Friday is to raise critical awareness of an issue that is important in every community and affects everyone.
"I want to thank Peter for taking on the role of ambassador.
“It’s a difficult role and I really appreciate how he has approached this, particularly in respect to giving voice to women’s story that has a high impact on many men - pointing out that women who are impacted on by domestic violence are their sisters' mothers aunties and friends.”
The Nowra Domestic Violence Committee has been proactive in the Shoalhaven community, conducting primary prevention events this year.
This includes: a documentary night ('Call Me Dad' - Men's Behaviour Change Program) and conducting a school video competition - 'Breaking the Silence' for local primary and high schools.
If you are experiencing violence or suspect someone else is, please contact 1800 RESPECT for advice and support. In an emergency, call the police on 000.
Read More: Community support for White Ribbon Day
