Blue Mountains community says no to domestic violence

Scores of Blue Mountains community members joined Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, at the Mayoral Breakfast: Blue Mountains Community Campaign Against Domestic Violence, on Friday 22 November.

The pre-work breakfast marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (held on 25 November each year) and was hosted by Blue Mountains City Council in partnership with the Blue Mountains Coalition Against Violence and Abuse (CAVA).

“This is our opportunity to come together with a strong voice to say that we do not accept violence and abuse against women and children,” Mayor Greenhill said.

“We know that women are being killed across Australia in hard-to believe numbers - on average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. Men need to take responsibility for their behavior… domestic violence and sexual assault violates fundamental human rights. 

“We also know incidents of domestic violence are under reported. While most do not report this to the authorities, many seek advice or support from family members, friends or community services. We must find ways to support those who are attempting to seek help.”

Other guest speakers included Suzie Van Opdorp, representing Trish Doyle MP, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence & Shadow Minister for Women; Mick Barrett, Belong Blue Mountains; Sue Wildman, DV Survivor Workshop; Katoomba High School teacher Tom Daniels, and Dominic Santangelo from the NSW Health Department who spoke about “Men for Cultural Change”. Students from Katoomba and Winmalee High Schools also attended the event.

The number of domestic violence incidents in the Blue Mountains is almost unchanged from last year – 229 recorded Domestic Violence assaults in the Blue Mountains in 2018/19.  The statistic is sourced from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

Photo: Mayor Mark Greenhill at the Mayoral Breakfast: Blue Mountains Community Campaign Against Domestic Violence.