UPDATE: Yesterday evening, great community spirit and support gathered at the Douglas Shire Council with the community ready to take part in the White Ribbon “Stand Up Speak Out” twilight walk as part of Australia’s campaign to stop violence against women.

RELATED:

• <link the-media-can-help-stop-violence-against.13235.0.html>The media can help stop violence against women

Over 100 people were there to support the national campaign for stopping domestic violence against women.  People were encouraged to wear white and to walk from the Douglas Shire Council along Front Street to the St David’s Church on Foxton Avenue Mossman.  Motorists sat patiently while the procession took place.

Stephen Oldham from Community Funerals was the host for the evening and advised that this year 78 women have died due to domestic violence incidences and 37,000 Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO’s) were taken out in 2015, 98% were women victims.

Mayor Julie Leu said it was absolutely shocking that 78 women have been murdered this year.

“That is more than one life lost per week and one in six women have experienced domestic violence by a former or current partner.

“Victims think it’s their fault, excusing the perpetrator, there is never a reason for violence.  We need to work together for appropriate services so it does not continue to happen.  There needs to be a cultural change in Australia and we have begun this in our community tonight.

“This is the inaugural walk tonight for the walk against domestic violence,” said Mayor Leu.

Sergeant Matty Smith from Mossman Police said the walk was one of four being held in Queensland, we should be proud.

“Mossman Police are all hear tonight both on and off duty.

“This is the only national male led campaign.  There were approximately 70,000 reports of domestic violence in Queensland this year,” advised Sergeant Smith.

Alfy Diamond gave Welcome to Country offering an inspirational personal glimpse on the subject of domestic violence.

There was also an oath taken by all those present that “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women” followed by one minute silence for the 78 women who have lost their life this year to domestic violence.

After the formalities there was entertainment by Sophie O’Gorman-Petrack as well as a sausage sizzle and plenty of community support and spirit.