Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba is urging people to say ‘no’ to domestic violence by joining her in the annual White Ribbon Day Walk this Friday 23 November.

The event will begin at 7am at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra (opposite Pep’s Takeaway) followed by a free breakfast.

This year’s campaign focuses on children affected by domestic violence - the hidden victims.

Cr Saliba said the impact of domestic and family violence on children could often affect them for the rest of their lives. 

“One in four children are exposed to domestic violence. This is a shocking and tragic statistic,” Cr Saliba said.

“Children who experience domestic violence at home are raised in an unpredictable environment that is filled with fear, tension, and anxiety.

“Please join me at this important event and show your support for these hidden victims of domestic violence.

“Violence against women and children is a scourge on society and is the primary cause of homelessness for women and their children.”

White Ribbon Day is Australia’s national day for raising awareness of men’s violence against women, and how to prevent it in the community.

Cr Saliba said that while most violence again women and children was perpetrated by men, it should be broadly understood that not all men were violent.

“This is a very important point. The overwhelming majority of men are not violent and find violence against women and children abhorrent.

“However men are in a position of influence and can work to change the social and cultural conditions that contribute to men’s violence against women, by shaping the attitudes and behaviours of other men.”

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.