THESE are the faces of the next generation who have been left a legacy of violence.
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And they plan to do something about it.
The year 12 legal studies students of MacKillop Senior College have just four weeks left before they shift their focus to exams. In that time, they hope to leave what will be their own lasting reminder to all the students who follow, that real change to help break the cycle of family and domestic violence in this country can begin with them.
The students have established MacKillop Legal Justice Fund to help Hastings women fleeing a violent relationship one appointment with a lawyer to better understand their legal rights and potential family court requirements.
Student Hannah Post said the idea was borne from the sickening statistic that one woman is killed every week in Australia at the hands of a violent partner.
“We didn’t want to accept that was the reality. And the riskiest time in a violent relationship is when you do choose to leave,” Hannah said.
“We were inspired to help local women in our Port Macquarie community and were keen to follow in the footsteps of our school's patron saint, Mary MacKillop who urges to "never see a need without doing something about it”.”
“We would love to raise $5000 to start this fund that will become a legacy of our legal studies classes. We hope to present our first cheque to establish the fund before we graduate in five weeks time.”
Ellie Kabel said the statistics are shocking.
“We want to make it easier and safer for women to leave. And a lot of the time in these relationships there are children involved. Even if you just look at the numbers in our own class, by the statistics, there are people here who will be affected by violence.”
Teacher Nicole Bailey has enlisted the support of the Domestic and Family Violence Support Service who will distribute the funds to their clients. Flintoff Lawyers has also offered its support.
Already the GoFundMe page – MacKillop Legal Studies Fund – has raised $600 as a result of a school out of uniform day. The students would love the comunity and local business to get on board and make a donation.
Tracey Fairhurst
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
