The Zonta White Ribbon Day Breakfast was held in Darwin this morning to raise awareness for the elimination of violence against women.
Zonta Club of Darwin President Pam MacLeod said the attendance at the breakfast was the best yet with more men in particular supporting the campaign's breakfast than ever before,
"This is the fifth year we have run the White Ribbon Day Breakfast in Darwin and without doubt, the awareness and involvement to eliminate violence against women is increasing in the Territory.
"Violence against women is disgustingly prevalent right here in the Territory and it will continue to take a combined and concerted effort to address it." Ms MacLeod said.
The Commander of Northern Command, Commodore David Gwyther, gave the keynote address at the breakfast, which he themed 'respect',
"This is a day for reflection on the unfortunate circumstances of those experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
"It is also a Day for action. For those abusing women to stop. For those being abused to seek help. For those who know of these circumstances to not stand by and let it happen.
"White Ribbon Day is about respect, something we hold dear in the Australian Defence Force." Commodore Gwyther concluded.
Last week, NT Police Acting Commissioner and White Ribbon Day Ambassador Bruce Wernham released alarming figures showing a 40% increase already this financial year in Police initiated Domestic Violence Orders.
"Already this financial year, Police have initiated over 700 Domestic Violence Orders, the vast majority being to protect women - that's around seven women per day and seven women too many across the Territory requiring protection".
"However, this increase demonstrates increased confidence the community has in reporting such violence and knowing something will be done to bring offenders to justice," he said.
This years breakfast also saw all 'Aussie men' invited to make a pledge as part of the "My Oath" campaign feature and place them in the functions 'swear jar':
never to commit violence against women;
never to excuse violence against women; and
never to remain silent about violence against women.
Further details on this campaign feature and the online "My Oath" can be found at www.myoath.com.au
Zonta is an International service organisation made up of professionals working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.
Photos will be made available upon request.
Media contacts:
NT Police: Katie Fowden 8901 0281
Commodore Gwyther: Brooke Olds 8935 8474
Zonta: Mary Pocock 8922 7785
