A LOCAL group’s dedication to ending gender-based violence throughout the community is now on full display in a Riverland town.
Representatives from the Renmark Paringa and Berri Barmera councils, along with Zonta Club of the Riverland president Arunika Hamden, last week unveiled a banner at the Berri roundabout on Vaughan Terrance supporting an end to domestic violence against women.
Ms Hamden said the group’s campaign coincided with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which begins today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also held today, and last Friday’s White Ribbon Day.
“We have been working on this initiative for over eight years,” she said.
“We are joining Zonta clubs around the world, working together to raise awareness of this issue and to be a voice and advocate for survivors of gender-based violence.
“This year we have wanted to approach all the good men in our community and invite them to stand up and say violence against women is not acceptable. Every member of the family needs to feel safe.
“Men speaking to other men about this very serious issue is a powerful catalyst for change and most men share a belief that any form of violence against women and children is never acceptable.
“We invite men to be part of a movement to eliminate gender -based violence.”
Renmark Paringa deputy mayor Peter Hunter said it was important for males across the Riverland to set a positive example for younger generations.
“It’s vital we recognise we are all role models in one way or another,” Mr Hunter said
Berri Barmera Mayor Peter Hunt urged locals to work co-operatively to keep domestic violence out of the community.
“We want all families to feel safe living in the Riverland,” Mr Hunt said.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping domestic violence out of our community and it’s so important that each day we continue taking steps as a community toward that target.”
Ms Hamden said extra support regarding mental health was often required for males in the agricultural sector.
“Men have many support options available through the community, including MensLine, DVConnect and Relationships Australia,” she said.
Any Riverlanders currently experiencing domestic violence are urged to contact the Riverland Domestic Violence Service by phone on 8215 6380 or email (rdvs@centacare.org.au).