Zonta's 'No Violence Against Women' message heard clearly
THE message was clear across Kings Theatre yesterday morning at the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women breakfast.
With about 160 people attending, the issue struck a chord with the broader community.
Representatives from several organisations and community members attended the breakfast with the audience clearly moved by guest speaker Senior Constable Wendy Brooks.
Snr Const Brooks spoke of her own experiences, both personally and professionally.
"We first need to open our hearts and ears to women impacted by domestic violence, and educate ourselves about the multi-faceted impacts domestic violence has.
"Abusers choose to abuse, and it is a violation of human rights."
Snr Const Brooks said domestic violence was not always the girl with the black eye.
"It can be emotional abuse, financial, social, property destruction, stalking, technological abuse and of course physical," she said.
"It's about fear, control and power imbalance.
"Comments like 'why doesn't she just leave' and 'I wouldn't stand for it' are not helpful, just judgmental/
"How can anybody be blamed for violence against them?
"The hardest part is to speak out and seek support. The stigma is a contributing factor that inhibits victims seeking support."
Snr Const Brooks said the main thing is just to do something to show victims support and get the conversation happening.
