BALLARAT has the highest rate of domestic violence in Victoria, according to councillor Cheryl Bromfield.
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Per 100,000 population, there are 1152 reports of domestic violence in Ballarat, compared to 737 for the rest of the state.
“We need to stand up and demonstrate leadership,” Cr Bromfield said.
“We need to change the mindset of people in this community.”
Cr Bromfield was speaking on the City of Ballarat Community Charter for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, which was endorsed at this week’s Ballarat City Council meeting.
Cr Bromfield said she had lost one of her close friends to domestic violence when she was strangled by her partner after years of abuse.
The charter, developed by a reference group consisting of representatives from council, Ballarat Police, Women’s Health Grampians, the Ballarat and Aboriginal District Cooperative, Ballarat Community Health, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership, Grampians Integrated Family Violence Committee and the University of Ballarat, will be launched in May.
“We need to protect our women, protect our children,” Cr Bromfield said.
“Domestic violence harms children, it harms whole families, it harms whole communities.
“This is a charter that belongs to the community.”
Cr Bromfield said men also needed to play a role in speaking out about domestic violence.
Cr Craig Fletcher, who is a White Ribbon Day ambassador, said council’s charter would send a clear message that “this sort of behaviour is not on”.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to make sure women and children are treated with respect,” Cr Fletcher said.
A White Ribbon Day action team and an information kit will also be developed, while funding will be sought for projects to prevent violence against women.