Due to a clashing appointment I was unable to attend the White Ribbon day event last Friday outside the Civic Centre.
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The event was to raise awareness of the effects of domestic violence and to ensure it was seen as a men’s as well as a women’s problem.
Had I been there I would have been happy to join the 60 or so men who took a pledge never to commit the crime of domestic violence and to stand up and speak out about it.
The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls.
It was formed by a group of men in Canada as a response to the École Polytechnique massacre of female students in Montreal in 1989.
North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service (NQDVRS) program worker, Matt Moss spoke at the Mount Isa event and he had the shocking and concerning news that Mount Isa had the largest rate of domestic violence in the region per capita and the problem was severe here.
“White Ribbon Day is about raising awareness that violence is not acceptable and that we can do something about it,” he told those present.
“It is about men standing up and saying they wont be a part of the stigma surrounding domestic violence and they will not tolerate these acts. The day is specifically tailored to provide clear and powerful messaging to men across Australia to inspire change and action.”
Polo shirts with the message #RealMenWearWhiteRibbons were printed for sale, with all proceeds donated to White Ribbon Australia.
Mount Isa Police District Superintendent Kev Guteridge said almost 70 women have been killed by their partners in Australia in 2016 and events like White Ribbon were an opportunity to send a reminder to people to take the discussion of domestic violence out into our communities, groups and homes “so we can rid society of this absolute disgrace.”
It is hard to argue with Superintendent Guteridge’s word that those statistics are a disgrace and men everywhere need to take a stance against domestic violence. It is our problem too. DB
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
