By ANEEKA SIMONIS
MEMBERSHIP start-up costs will be scratched for women signing up to a Casey sporting facility in a bid to raise awareness about domestic violence later this month.
YMCA Casey ARC will scrap the $99 joining fee on White Ribbon Day to shine a light on the dangerous country-wide issue which sees at least one woman die at the hands of her partner each week.
YMCA Area Manager Matt Spencer said the idea was endorsed by the national awareness campaign.
“I am on the Challenge Family Violence Group and we have done quite a bit of training around domestic violence.
“It’s a prevalent issue in the City of Casey, Shire of Cardinia and the City of Greater Dandenong. We thought this campaign would be a good way to raise awareness,” he said.
The White Ribbon campaign is male-led with the overarching understanding that women’s safety is a man’s issue.
“It is so important that men stand up and be leaders,” Mr Spencer said.
“Men have a strong influence over other men and in order for this violence to diminish; other men need to say something for it to stop … even if it is as simple as not laughing at an inappropriate joke.”
The Challenge Family Violence Group is made up by a range of men including police and council members as well as residents.
Mr Spencer said he hopes to roll out a range of other violence prevention initiatives through the YMCA to help create lasting change.
“We just want to do our part to raise awareness… it’s all about changing attitudes and cultures whether it be in the home or at work,” he said.
White Ribbon Day is on Tuesday 25 November. It marks the start of the 16-day campaign to stamp out violence towards women in Australia.
