Supporters marching to help stop domestic violence at the 2017 Midland March That Matters.
Camera IconSupporters marching to help stop domestic violence at the 2017 Midland March That Matters. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Residents take stand against domestic violence at Midland March That Matters

Staff WriterMidland Kalamunda Reporter

A RECORD turnout is expected at the Midland March That Matters tomorrow, as residents, police, support agencies and community groups take a stand against domestic violence.

Part of White Ribbon Day events, the march was first held in 2014.

It is part of combined efforts between Midland police, non-for-profit agencies, government departments and community groups to address domestic violence at a local level.

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Relationships Australia WA’s Midland manager Kristy Darnborough said the march was having a meaningful impact on people’s attitudes towards domestic violence.

“The Midland public have really galvanised behind this event and we’re seeing that reflected in our daily work, and more generally in attitudes towards domestic violence,” Ms Darnborough said.

“We know that people are feeling more comfortable in reporting domestic violence complaints to police, or even just having conversations about domestic violence with friends and family.”

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

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

Ms Darnborough said this year’s march carried a positive message focused on ‘Healing from Harm’.

“The march is a meaningful way for the community to stand up, speak out and change what some people still believe to be acceptable behaviour,” she said.

“This year we’re offering a message of courage, resilience and healing, and aiming to raise awareness about the support services available.

“We have people from all walks of life involved in the march. Having that sort of buy in across the community is incredibly important in tackling domestic violence head on.”

THE ESSENTIALS

When: Thursday 22nd of November, 2018

Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm

Where: Juniper Gardens (behind Midland Dome Cafe). Enter from The Crescent or Cale Street

What: White Ribbon event with entertainment and information stalls, a short March starting at 12.00pm Midday, followed by guest speakers and a free sausage sizzle.