CURIOUS heads poked out doorways from Byron and Otho Street yesterday as children in nappies to the old and wise took to the street in the annual Inverell Anti-Violence March.
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Participants gathered behind Best and Less on Vivian Street and when the police patrol cars hit the lights, the marchers fell into line. The rounded they corner onto Byron, into Otho, and then doubled back.
Several marchers made their way to Victoria Park afterwards to enjoy a free mid-morning snag.
Anti-Violence committee member and Rural Outreach & Support Service manager, Vicki Higgins was heartened by the turnout.
“More people involved, more men involved. It’s been a wonderful morning,” she said.
Sister Coral Hedley joined in the effort. She felt it was statement supporting violence victims.
“We’re there to say we don’t agree with (domestic violence),” she said.
Despite the numbers, some asked the question why more residents did not march
Ced Smith marched yesterday and believed there might be latent sympathy within the town.
“I think there’s a silent majority that don’t agree with domestic violence, but they just choose to remain silent, and don’t do anything or say anything,” he said.
"I think it's just great that there are men that are standing up, and being counted. Because (other men) will listen to men," Sister Coral said.
Barbara Connors, Linda Connors and their mum Elizabeth Connors were waiting for the marchers at Victoria Park. They were discussing the lack of people participating and the need for awareness about the sometimes deadly toll of domestic violence.
“What’s going to change?” Linda asked. “What’s it going to take to make a change?”
White Ribbon Day fell on Tuesday. The campaign backs men who are standing up in communities to terminate violence against women. Graham Kerridge is an Inverell White Ribbon Ambassador.
“We need to life the profile of the issue of domestic violence and make it something we get to talk about.”
Sally Sweeney has become dedicated to the local anti-violence cause and White Ribbon campaign. She said it wasn’t just the loss of a close friend to domestic violence that motivated her to stand against the crime.
“I’ve got two young boys, and I want them to know that you treat everyone with respect. Every woman, every man, every child should be living in these safe environments, free from violence and intimidation,” she said.
“I mean, that’s just a basic right that everyone should have.”
