White Ribbon Day was a fitting time for November’s council meeting, with domestic violence emerging as a significant issue. Pam Macleay of the Inverell Country Women’s Association (CWA) brought the topic to the attention of councillors during the public forum.
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The CWA partnered with Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia (RDVSA) earlier this year in an effort to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community. The association is organising a professional development training forum run by RDVSA in April next year. Inverell is one of only 16 regional towns selected for the forum.
“To be selected, unfortunately, is to show that we have an extremely high rate of reported incidents of violence,” Pam said. The CWA has been reaching out to community groups and found significant support from local schools, health services, clubs and churches.
“Everyone realises there is a problem. Everyone realises that if we’re going to solve this problem, we as a community need to acknowledge it exists. We, as a community, need to take ownership of the issue. And then, we, as a community, will be able to reach a resolution,” Pam said. The CWA is encouraging groups and employers such as the council to send representatives to the forum to be upskilled.
Alongside the forum, the CWA and Regional Outreach Services will host a dinner with high profile speakers on domestic violence. They hope to sell out the event. The council is currently considering how they will support the forum and dinner.
Mayor Paul Harmon recognised that domestic violence was a problem that can’t be ignored.
“I know, unfortunately, as Pam indicated, to be chosen to host an event means there is a problem, and I think it’s something we don’t need to put our head in the sand,” he said.
