Today is White Ribbon Day and the media have a vital role in helping to raise awareness of violence against women. White Ribbon is inviting journalists to play a part in ending violence against women in Australia by featuring stories and raising awareness within the community.

In Australia, all women should live in safety, free from all forms of men’s violence. Sadly, this is not the case. On average, more than one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner. This deeply disturbing fact is only one tragic part of the bigger story surrounding domestic violence.

The Douglas Shire community will stand up and speak out against domestic violence by participating in the inaugural White Ribbon Twilight Walk in Mossman on 25 November.

Those participating in the White Ribbon Day Twilight Walk along Front St from 5.30pm on Wednesday 25 November are asked to wear white or their relevant uniforms should they be representing their local business, organisation, school or sporting group. You can also purchase white ribbon pins at the event.

Mayor Julia Leu said the twilight walk served as a statement from the community that violence against women is unacceptable.

“Violence against women is never a private issue,” Mayor Leu said.

“We are holding this event to help break the silence around violence, to raise awareness of the issue as well as funds to support work to bring violence against women to an end.

Mayor Leu said the frightening statistics related to domestic violence demonstrated it is an issue for everyone in the community.

“Violence against women is at epidemic proportions. Devastatingly, over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence,” Mayor Leu said.

“I am proud that our local Douglas community is making a strong stand against this horrible issue.”

“Murder is at the pointy end of a broad spectrum of violence against women - a spectrum that encompasses financial, verbal, emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, as well as workplace harassment which all form part of a devastating cycle of violence.

“And the women lost are not just statistics – they are wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends and colleagues.” said Mayor Leu.

White Ribbon events are held across Australia to educate and raise awareness about men’s violence against women. They reflect the power of the community to drive change.