White Ribbon Day organisers urge Bunbury residents to be part of the change

Volunteers and organisers are calling for more awareness about domestic and family violence as this year’s White Ribbon Day march draws closer.

This year’s theme is “the courage to stand up, speak out and end domestic violence” with hopes of emphasising the importance of addressing harmful traits and behaviours which contribute to family and domestic violence.

The White Ribbon Day march takes place on November 29 from 10.30am, with the walk starting at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery.

The march will walk through the city with a free community service to follow at the open space opposite the Prince Of Wales Hotel before a free community barbecue.

Participant Akita Princi was inspired to stand up for the cause following past experiences and has since helped establish DV Safe Phone donation boxes at the Bunbury and Busselton libraries.

With the march, she wants to bring more attention to the issue by focusing on the 16 days of action which follow White Ribbon Day.

“It’s really sad to know that what I’ve been through and experienced is not at all uncommon,” Ms Princi said.

“I’m really concerned about our community, I’m concerned for other women. I’ve become really passionate about this and want to help in any way I can, and the march is such a good opportunity to speak to other people.”

According to a recent National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women survey, 25 per cent of people surveyed believe women who do not leave their abusive partners are partly responsible for violence continuing.

More than 40 per cent said women misinterpret innocent remarks as sexist and 23 per cent believed domestic violence was a normal reaction to day-to-day stress.