Film encourages victims to speak out

Kooweerup Secondary College Year 9 students created a table that will be displayed at Pakenham Library. The blackboard figures invite people to make a stand against family violence by chalking in their names.

By Alana Mitchelson

KOOWEERUP students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award have created a short film to raise awareness of the issues surrounding family violence to coincide with White Ribbon Day.
Kooweerup Regional Health Service (KRHS) youth worker Brian Harlow said that over the last few years Kooweerup students have been responsible for building distinctive art that has been on display at the Pakenham Library for White Ribbon Day.
But for the first time this year’s group of Kooweerup Secondary College Year 9 students worked together with the assistance of volunteers to write the script, act, direct and film a short movie production campaigning against family violence.
“This film was made by young people and offered their unique perspective on the issue,” Mr Harlow said.
“Once completed, the video was launched online as part of an advertising campaign titled The Bigger Picture to create awareness around recognising the feelings of victims in these situations and the wider impact on their families, particularly children who witness domestic violence.
“Working on this type of project helps young people to learn about the impact of positive and respectful behaviour as a method of preventing domestic violence.
“Considering their age they did very well and handled it very maturely.
“Students hope the film will encourage victims to speak up against family violence.”
The short film will be presented at the Pakenham Library as part of its White Ribbon Day activities after the march, with guest speakers from about 12.30pm on Friday 25 November.
A second group of about 20 students also built a table that is currently on display at the Pakenham Library.
Visitors will have the opportunity to add to blackboard figures by signing their names in chalk.
For more information, visit www.safesteps.org.au.

Watch The Bigger Picture.