GANNAWARRA Shire Council has pledged to take a stand to stop violence against women.
Visitors to Patchell Plaza, Kerang will soon see a plaque recognising council’s stance after Women’s Health Loddon Mallee executive officer, Linda Beilharz presented mayor, Cr Lorraine Learmonth with the memento.
The plaque features the commitment statement outlined in the Loddon Mallee Action Plan for Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women, which states that residents should strive to “create communities, organisations and cultures that are non-violent, gender-equitable, non-discriminatory and that promote respectful relationships”.
“We hope residents read the statement, take a step back as far as their behaviour is concerned and help people with their situation,” Cr Learmonth said.
As part of its commitment, council staff recently took part in the Take A Stand program, which involved attending a Northern District Community Health Service session that looked at domestic violence, violence prevention strategies and how to support people who may be experiencing domestic violence.
“In the end around 95 per cent of council staff took part in the program, and participants were quite open during discussions,” NDCHS community health nurse, Alexia Stephens said.
It is anticipated the pledge, as well as the action plan, will be incorporated into future council strategies.
“We hope to build on the work that has gone on in the past, and this pledge is a call for us to keep at it,” Ms Beilharz said.
