Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) runs a Violence Abuse and Neglect Service, known as VANS, and they are partnering with the Violence Abuse and Neglect Interagency to highlight and raise awareness of domestic violence in the community by taking part in the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Running through to Saturday December 10 this year’s theme is UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls, and Broken Hill will feature an event on the Friday – December 10 – to raise awareness about the local issues.
Broken Hill does not have an enviable record when it comes to domestic violence, with some 1461 domestic family violence related incidents (including domestic violence-related assaults and domestic violence-related breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders) reported to NSW Police in the 12 months from July 1 2021 to June 30 2022.
Far West LHD VANS Manager, Mrs Sherree Ferrall, said the campaign which is now running would help raise awareness and educate the local community about support services available.
“Gender-based violence against women and girls includes harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, coercive control, physical violence, sexual violence, verbal abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, social economic abuse and spiritual abuse,” she said.
“We’re hoping this campaign will highlight how domestic and family violence remains a significant issue for female and male victims, their children, families and extended kinship connections within our community.”
A community awareness day will be held in the Town Square on Friday December 9, where interagency partners will staff stalls with information and handouts for the community about available support services.
Mission Australia will also be providing a free barbecue for all those going along to support the initiative.
The day will feature an interactive installation of 1461 eco-friendly pinwheels on the Town Square lawn, representing the prevalence of reported domestic violence related incidents in the city in the 2021/22 financial year.
Mrs Ferrall said pinwheels are used as a therapeutic tool to assist children and young people with emotional regulation and sensory modulation.
“In this visual installation the pinwheels represent the circle of violence, but also of hope and change for the future. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Town Square so they can choose their favourite pinwheel to take home,” she said.
Art works by local high school students who have attended Lovebites – a respectful relationship education program – will also be on display.
There is help out there for those affected, by domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs support, contact VANS on 8080 1100, or present to the Broken Hill Community Health Centre 2-4 Sulphide Street Broken Hill (9am to 5pm) or call the 24/7 Crisis Response Service response on 8080 1300 or present to your nearest FWLHD Emergency Department.
