Loddon Shire Council backs regional action plan on domestic and family violence

The shire's five councillors last week gave their commitment for the life of the Loddon Mallee Regional Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (2016-2019).

It comes as figures show the Loddon Mallee region has the second highest regional incidence of reported family violence in the state.

The commitment at last Tuesday's council meeting came on the eve of White Ribbon Day, when Australians everywhere were urged to come together and say no to all forms of violence.

Shire CEO John McLinden praised the councillors show of leadership, with anecdotal evidence suggesting victims in rural areas often felt the weight of isolation and stigma.

“We acknowledge that violence against women is prevalent and serious in the Loddon Mallee region,” he began.

“We recognise that while any person can be a victim or perpetrator of violence, violence is predominantly perpetrated by men, and in family situations, women are predominantly the victims.

“We understand that the underlying drivers of violence against women are gender inequity, rigid gender stereotypes and cultures that accept or excuse men’s violence.”

“We commit to working in our own organisations and in partnership with others to end violence against women.”

Thousands of people across Australia last week took part in White Ribbon Day marches, protesting at the scourge of violence against women.

In central Victoria, a march in Bendigo drew about 800 supporters.

The regional action plan outlines a number of strategies to guide action at regional, local and community levels. 

Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie said an address by anti-domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty at a loical government conference in July had really struck a chord with him.

Cr Beattie said while he had never witnessed family violence, and hoped he never would, he found it abhorrent.

“Violence towards women is a totally abhorrent, cowardly act and anyone who uses violence to show strength is actually weak,” he said.

“I haven’t seen it personally and would hate to see it, but if I did I would report it and encourage others to do the same, it should be compulsory.”

“Statistics reveal one in four children or young people have been exposed to family violence against their mother, and indicate family violence as the leading contributor to ill-health and premature death in women under 45.”

Cr Beattie said if children and young people witnessed abuse it could transpire in the next generation.

“As community leaders, we need to pave the way in the eradication of men’s violence against women, and direct people towards addressing any underlying or contributing factors such as depression or drug use,” he said.

Four of the five local government areas in the state with the highest incidence of reported family violence are in Loddon Mallee, and six of the region's LGAs have an incidence rate higher than the state average.