Hunter-based charity Got Your Back Sista is inviting the community to unite against domestic and family violence this week.
The public activation, to conclude the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, will take place at Charlestown Square (Level 1, outside Myer) on Friday 9 December from 11.30am.
In Australia, one-in-six women and one-in-16 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15.
Worryingly, one-in-four females and one-in-six males also suffered emotional abuse by a current or previous partner since the age of 15.
So, to highlight those alarming statistics, a large group of people are expected to march through the shopping centre holding Got Your Back Sista flags on the eve of Human Rights Day (10 December).
Founder Melissa Histon said the organisation was grateful Charlestown Square pioneered the initiative.
“It’s important to raise awareness of domestic and family violence,” she explained.
“We are working with many families affected and know that this public activation will go a long way in showing survivors and people who are experiencing domestic violence that they are supported by their local communities.
“We encourage people to reach out and ask for help.”
Charlestown Square, which is owned by the GPT Group, manager Kate Murphy said she hoped to highlight the shocking rate of incidences of domestic violence (DV) in Australia… in an effort to support victims and create real change.
“The devastating figures demonstrate that many of our customers and communities will be impacted by DV, directly or indirectly,” she stated.
“We hope that, by coming together and marching through Charlestown Square, we’ll send a powerful reminder to victims and survivors of domestic violence that we stand beside them.
“By raising awareness in our broader communities, we can begin to remove the stigma that prevents victims from coming forward, to create long-lasting change.
“We invite our customers and residents to join us in support for those who have sadly lost their lives due to the epidemic that is domestic and family violence.”
GPT Group head of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing Justine Knight admitted companies had a powerful role to play in ending domestic and family violence.
“It is incredibly important that people experiencing domestic violence are supported by, and connected to, their workplace,” she said.
“At GPT, we have worked to ensure the workplace culture, leader capability, policies and processes are in place to assist those impacted by domestic and family violence and that we are ready to help those who need it confidentially and with sensitivity.”
A support desk will also be set up at Charlestown Square for people who need information or advice about domestic and family violence for themselves or the ones they love.
Donations to Got Your Back Sista to support victims of domestic violence can be made on the day or via the website at https://www.gotyourbacksista.com/.
Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those experiencing domestic and family violence via 1800RESPECT.
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