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Record turnout expected for march against domestic violence

Staff WriterMidland Kalamunda Reporter

HUNDREDS of people are expected to take a stand against domestic violence this Thursday at the Midland March That Matters.

The annual event is about providing a voice for survivors and shining a light on the scourge of domestic violence.

Participants will carry banners and proceed along The Crescent to Great Eastern Highway before congregating at Juniper Gardens to hear from guest speakers.

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Among them will be Catherine, a survivor of domestic violence, WA Police Superintendent Noreen O’Rourke and City of Swan Aboriginal Partnership and Development Officer John Mogridge.

The march will be led by the WA Police Pipe Band and include performances by Aboriginal dancers from Kiara College.

In 1999 there were 2386 reported cases of family assaults and that figure has increased almost every year since to 19,290 reported cases in the 12 months to July 2019.

Other offences such as threatening behaviour and breaches of violence restraining orders have also increased steadily over the same time period.

Relationships Australia WA Midland Manager and chairperson for the North-East Metro Committee Kristy Darnborough said the march was an important way to help address people’s perception of the problem.

“Domestic violence is often a hidden issue and many people don’t realise how prevalent it is in today’s society,” she said.

“This march is about taking a stand against domestic violence and empowering survivors because we all need a voice.”

Event Details

When: Thursday, November 21 2019 Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm Where: Juniper Gardens (behind Midland Dome). Enter from The Crescent or Cale Street. What: Event with entertainment and information stalls, a short March starting at 12pm midday, followed by guest speakers and a free sausage sizzle.