Member for Keilor Natalie Hutchins, Keilor cricket club treasurer Jeff Reeves, Patrick Troncoso, seated, and Mangala Banneyake, banded together last week to become White Ribbon Day ambassadors. 73337 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
MEN across the West came out in droves last week to sign a pledge to take a stand against domestic violence.
Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins hosted the pledge-signing event last Friday and said she had received an overwhelming response from the community.
“Many men have lined up saying where’s the pen,” Ms Hutchins said.
“It was really encouraging to see men sign the pledge.”
Ms Hutchins said it was also important to remind the community to speak up against any kind of violence.
“This event really highlights the people can report it to the police and now offenders are the ones removed from the home. There’s avenues for the victims to turn to.”
The event comes in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day this Friday.
Men across Australia are being asked to swear to “never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women”.
This latest campaign against domestic violence comes only months after a report commissioned by the Keilor MP which revealed the Keilor District urgently needed new facilities to cope with the increase in family violence.
The report revealed the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court is dealing with 150 cases of family violence a week, but could deal with 100 cases every day if they had more resources.
The report also estimated that there are 740 incidents of family violence per 100,000 population that are reported to police, but many more that go undetected.
Ms Hutchins vowed to continue her fight against domestic violence and said she would campaign the Government to increase funding for facilities to cope with the growing epidemic.
She said anyone wishing to sign the pledge can visit her office this week.
