The Georges River community came together at the annual NO Domestic Violence Walk on Friday 21 November. The event precedes Georges River Council's recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.
The event began at 10.00am at Jubilee Stadium. Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg and keynote speakers Daniel Allars and Michael Hawkins from Top Blokes addressed the community.
The walk then commenced at 11am, finishing at Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah. It covered a distance of 1.5km.
Georges River Councillors and staff, local school students, St George Police Local Area Command, emergency services, and representatives from community organisations marched together in a strong show of solidarity against domestic violence.
Local high school students also made pledges against domestic violence.
Mayor Elise Borg said, "This walk was about raising awareness and reinforcing that early intervention and education are key to prevention. Together, we can stop violence before it starts.
"By teaching young people about respectful relationships, empathy and consent, we lay the foundation for a future free from violence.
"I am proud of the commitment shown by our community. Every voice matters in creating lasting change and making Georges River a safe place for everyone."
According to the 2021-2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Safety Survey, an estimated 8 million Australians (41%) have experienced violence (physical and/or sexual) since the age of 15. This includes:
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31% of women and 42% of men who have experienced physical violence.
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22% of women and 6.1% of men who have experienced sexual violence.
Further statistics also indicated that:
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1 in 6 women had experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15. For men, this is 1 in 18.
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1 in 4 women had experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15.
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1 in 6 women had experienced economic abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15.
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And on average, one woman was killed every 8 days in Australia in 2023-24.
"These numbers are not just statistics. They represent real lives, real pain, and real loss. They are unacceptable and demand our action," said Mayor Borg.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit Council's Domestic and Family Violence webpage.
