“It is important to remember – it is never, ever a person’s choice or fault to be abused. The guilt and responsibility must always be fitted squarely to the abuser.”
The words of Katrina Sheen, Solicitor at Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Le- gal Services (FVLPS), rang true for many in the audience who attended the third Ochre Ribbon Day at the Forbes Wiradjuri Centre last Thursday.
Katrina’s statement followed a quote she read of a victim of domestic violence: “We were young and stupid. Even though it was not right, he had a way of making it seem so. It was as if something in me brought this out of him. So, it was my fault in a way.”
Ochre Ribbon Day is a national event symbolic to Aboriginal people who are surivors of family violence. ‘Today is cultur- ally focused in its values and contributes to the message that Aboriginal people will not tolerate violence against their men, women and children,” said Katrina.
After the serious speeches, students from Forbes High School were cheered on by members of the Forbes community in the Amazing Ochre Race.
Family violence is a serious human rights issue that affects millions of families world-wide -regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or education.
The Forbes youth have taken a stand saying, “Domestic violence is totally unacceptable and we are not afraid to tell someone who can help us.”
By Dianne Collie