By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THEY came in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life.
There were kids, grandparents, mums, dads, police officers, politicians, social workers, counsellors – and a few of the other councillors as well.
More than 100 people took to the streets of Pakenham yesterday (Tuesday) for the second annual White Ribbon Walk, to take a stand against family violence and violence against women.
For Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd of Pakenham, family violence forms a large part of his workload … too large a part.
“It’s good to see the community getting behind this cause,” he said. “It is up to us as a community to show that we won’t tolerate family violence in any shape or form.”
Joan Shelton knows the Pakenham streets better than most; she has walked them for decades.
The grandmother of eight boys said it was important to send a message.
“I try teach the boys to respect women. It’s important to start young with these lessons.”
Joy Lang from Connections in Pakenham held a poster imploring people to keep woman and children safe. Sadly, so many don’t feel they are, particularly at home.
“I am here to bring awareness to the community,” Joy said. “The more we do this (walk), awareness will grow and hopefully we can stop violence getting into our community.
“We also want to give women the courage to report violence and for men to be accountable for their behavior.”
Brian Harlow, a youth development worker at Kooweerup Regional Health Service, had a few young men in tow.
“If you can get in and teach boys while they are at school age, you can help change their outlook for the future,” he said.
Brian Paynter, a trustee for the Kylie Blackwood Foundation, walked with his daughters Abbey and Libby.
He said he was inspired to back the White Ribbon cause because of what happened to the Pakenham mother of three last year, but also the wider issue of family violence.
“It’s important for people to take time out of their day to see what’s going on around us and help raise awareness,” he said.
“We have to be more aware and recognise the signs earlier.”
As a father of three girls, he said it was important that they were allowed to grow up in a safe environment.
“I don’t live in fear of violence but women do because of the power and control some men exert over them,” he explained.
“If this walk sparks one person to change, then it’s done it’s job.”
Crime Prevention Minister Edward O’Donohue addressed the crowd after the walk, saying: “We, as men, all have a duty to speak up … violence against women is a crime, whether it happens here on the street or in the home.”
