The Forbes community banded together on Wednesday 25 November to say no to domestic violence for the White Ribbon Day March. 100 white balloons tied to wrists floated and bobbed through the street and the captains
of Forbes High School carried a banner with a slogan supporting victims of domestic violence. Behind them was an army of Forbes’ school students, community groups and community members walking together to put an end to domestic violence.
As the marchers arrived at Victoria Park, the piper stopped playing and the traditional Welcome to Country was performed before an introduction to the day, and a speech from Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Forbes is still ranked in the top 20 for recorded domestic violence related assault incidents by Local Government Area,” Mayor Miller said.
“Domestic violence is not just a problem in our area though. To date in 2015 there whave been 78 women killed by violence in Australia with 1 in 4 Australian women experiencing physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner.” “Children living in a relationship with abusive behaviour are considered to be at risk of harm, either directly by being abused or indirectly by witnessing the abuse of their parent or carer.”
“By being here today and getting involved in the White Ribbon Day March, you are all helping to change these statistics and by working together we can make a difference. Don’t be afraid to stand up. Together we can put a stop to violence against women.”