HASTINGS residents are urged to be a part of the cultural change to end domestic violence one step at a time.
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Registrations are now open for the annual Coastal Walk which raises awareness for domestic and family violence.
Run by the Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service (DFVSS), the Coastal Walk Against Family and Domestic Violence on Sunday, November 25 is set to be the most inclusive walk yet.
This year, a new extended route will provide a longer, flat, paved section, to cater for a range of fitness levels, mobility aids and prams.
CEO of the Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, Kelly Lamb, said around 600 people walked in solidarity against domestic violence last year and she hoped this year’s event would be even bigger.
“The walk falls on the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and is part of a national campaign to prevent men’s violence against women,” Mrs Lamb said.
“As well as raising awareness and sparking conversations, we also want to provide people with information, so they can better understand, prevent and stop domestic and family violence.”
As in past years, there will be three starting points to choose from; Lighthouse Beach at 8am, Flynns Beach at 9am and Town Beach at 9.30am.
The walk will then conclude with a BBQ and community catch-up at Westport Park at 10am which is a new aspect to the walk in 2018.
Mrs Lamb said the annual walk will be presented in partnership with the Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic Violence Monitoring Committee which is made up of Health, Police, Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program, Community Corrections, Legal services and other services providing domestic violence supports to families.
“While White Ribbon’s stance on women’s reproductive rights remains unclear, we have renamed the event so that it remains a positive opportunity to raise awareness about domestic and family violence in our local community,” she said.
“The White Ribbon symbol was part of the event’s history, but after many years it is time for our successful local community event to have its own proud identity.
“The colour white will continue to be a feature of the event as it represents the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, so we’re encouraging everyone to wear white shirts to show their support for women who have experienced domestic violence.”
One in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013.
Locally, the DFVSS provided support, advice and information to more than 730 women and children experiencing domestic and family violence over the past year.
“This event provides an opportunity for families, individuals, community groups and businesses to come together as a community to build a future free from violence and abuse.
“It is important to remember that domestic violence is not just physical assault but also includes more subtle forms of violence such as emotional, psychological and financial abuse. To bring this to an end we must stand up, speak out and act.”
Buses will run from Westport Park to the starting points, allowing people to leave their cars at the finish line.
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