More than 1,000 community members marched in Georges River Council’s annual NO Domestic Violence Walk on Friday.
Official proceedings began at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, with addresses from Mayor, Elise Borg and keynote speaker, Simone O’Brien, who shared her personal story of resilience, courage and strength to champion non-violence against women and children.
Georges River Councillors and staff, local school students, St George Police Local Area Command, local emergency services, and representatives from local community groups then marched together in a show of solidarity against domestic violence in the Georges River region to Kogarah Town Square.
Local high school students made pledges against domestic violence and received plaques from Mayor Borg to commemorate their involvement.
“Men, women and youth must unite in standing against domestic violence,” Mayor Borg said.
“Early intervention and education are foundational in the multi-faceted approach to preventing domestic violence. It aims to raise awareness and stop violence from happening in the first place.
“The objective of Georges River Council’s No Domestic Violence Walk is to educate youth about building respectful and healthy relationships. I extend my gratitude to everyone for joining us today to learn, walk, and be part of this movement for positive change.
“We all need to raise our voices to generate true lasting change as each of us has a role to play in stamping out inappropriate behaviours and making our communities a safe space for all, but especially women and girls,” she said.
Statistics from the 2021-2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics – Personal Safety Survey state that:
- 14% of the Australian population had experienced sexual violence since the age of 15;
- 1-in-6 women had experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15. For men, this is 1-in-18;
- 1-in-4 women had experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15;
- 1-in-6 women had experienced economic abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15;
- 1-in-5 women had experienced sexual violence since the age of 15;
- And in 2022-2023, one woman was killed every 11 days in Australia.
“These statistics are alarming, and we won’t be silent. We will stand up together and work to create a safer and better future for all,” said Mayor Borg.
