Supporters take on domestic violence

People from across Greater Bunbury gathered at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery to march in a bid end male violence against women for White Ribbon Day on Friday.

Family violence coordinator for the South West Sgt Don McLean said White Ribbon Day was a chance to highlight the issue and promote change.

“What we are trying to do is evoke social change the same way we have seen changes with drink-driving, smoking, phone use while driving – all of those things are starting to drop off because of societal change,” Sgt McLean said.

“It’s about getting the majority to stand up and speak up and everybody knows that violence against women is not the right thing and unfortunately it continues. As our guest speaker said, just because it is behind closed doors does not mean it is a private issue, it is still criminal behaviour.”

Sgt McLean said people should report violent behaviour to police and there was help available through the men’s domestic violence helpline on 9223 1199.