SEE Something, SAY Something, DO Something

What does the White Ribbon Symbolise?

The White Ribbon itself is an awareness symbol of anti-violence against women.

What is the White Ribbon Campaign?

The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in London, Ontario in 1991 as a response to the École Polytechnique massacre of female students in 1989. The campaign was intended to raise awareness about male violence against women, with the ribbon symbolising “the idea of men giving up their arms”. White Ribbon is active in over 60 countries.

Illawarra Committee Against Domestic Violence

On a local level, the Illawarra Committee Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) focus is to support agencies, organisations, schools, education providers, and the community. The committee is an interagency of Government and Non-Government agencies/services across the Illawarra that works directly with people experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).

Donations

ICADV receives no Government funding and depends solely on community donations and possible grants to be able to achieve their vision and goals.

As an example, the Illawarra DV support booklet and other resources provide valuable information for the community and services that do the vital and tireless work to keep women, men and children safe. ICADV recourses are available in our local refuges, Physiologists, Councillors, NSW Police Domestic Liaison Officers, Family Support Services, Women’s Support Services, Housing agencies and across the Illawarra.  These booklets are handed to people who are experiencing DFV as a guide on understanding DFV, what to do and who to contact.

Donation money is also used to educate our front line services on the best methods of responding to DFV, this is done through educational forums and workshops.

Through the local campaign ICADV has also been able to engage with and involve local schools and organisations in the local community to take a stand and act against men’s violence. As such, our yearly events such as the walk and ride this year will continue as planned and continue to resource local services.

We thank you for your continued support that makes a big difference in our community.

White Ribbon Day is violence against women awareness day. This is a day when communities get together to make a stand to say no to violence against women. In 2018, 71 women killed in Australia by violence and as of 02/10/2019, 44 women have been killed by violence (Destroy the Joint FB). These statistics remain alarmingly high and it is everybody’s issue to help end the violence.

Our theme this year is SEE Something, SAY Something, DO Something. Our speakers on the day will talk about what YOU can do to prevent violence against women.

Say “No” to domestic violence and join us for the annual White Ribbon Day Walk. This is a public event and everyone is welcome.

  • Meet at NORTH Wollongong Surf Club at approx 6.50am
  • Walk start time is 7.00am
  • Walk from North Wollongong Surf Club to the Wollongong Head Light House and return
  • Walk time is approx. 40 min (return)
  • FREE BBQ breakfast (sponsored by DCJ) bacon and egg sandwiches and fruit, water will be available.
  • Information and merchandise stall on site
  • Guest Speakers – Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbury AM and Wollongong Police District Superintendent
  • Close approx.: 8.30am

FAQ

Why is White Ribbon day about raising awareness for stopping men’s violence against women, what about men?

The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls. It was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in London, Ontario in November 1991 as a response to the École Polytechnique massacre of female students in 1989. ICADV believes that all forms of violence are unacceptable and acknowledges that men and women can be victims. We also acknowledge that the majority of domestic violence victims are women. (see below AIHW)

Can I walk a shorter distance?

Yes, you can walk to where you like .

I want to go to the event but not walk, is that OK?

Yes, you can listen to the speakers and enjoy the breakfast.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, most definitely.

Can I make a donation?

Yes, we will have donation buckets on the day and we appreciate all the help we can get, ICADV is not funded and we rely entirely on community donations. Donations received go towards the printing of our DV Support Booklet, which informs the community of the local domestic and family violence support services available to them and educational recourses and forums for services that directly support people experiencing domestic and family violence.    

Will there be white ribbons available?

Yes, please wear one to show your support

What happens if there is bad weather on the day?

If the event is canceled due to extremely bad weather we will post this on the following facebook pages

https://www.facebook.com/IllawarraCommitteeAgainstDomesticViolence

https://www.facebook.com/whiteribbonwalk