Community members, Councillors and staff from Cumberland City Council and City of Parramatta Council have experienced a day in the life of a victim experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) at the Race to Safety initiative, hosted by the Parramatta Cumberland Family & Domestic Violence Prevention Committee.
It was the first time this amazing race style initiative was held by the Committee on Friday 9 December as part of the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.
The race required participants to pair off into groups of five to work together through real life scenarios to experience the difficulties and complexities involved with DFV.
Cumberland City Council Mayor Lisa Lake said the initiative provided an opportunity to work alongside other Councils and organisations on an important issue.
"One in six women and one in 16 men report experiencing some kind of domestic and family violence. This initiative has been an opportunity for Council to work with other Councils, Councillors and Community groups to shed a light on the complexities and difficulties around family and domestic violence," said.
A total of 20 people participated in the initiative which started in Centenary Square in Parramatta and finished at the Cumberland City Council Customer Service Centre in Merrylands.
Mayor Lake also said that Council is committed to raising awareness of DFV and working with support services and agencies.
"It's a really complex system, and our agencies are doing a good job and are breaking down the barriers between State and Commonwealth laws," she said.
"Cumberland Council is committed to supporting and working with service providers and community groups to ensure our residents can access the resources and support they need."
Cumberland City Council has a range of resources and support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence. If you or any one you know has experienced any kind of violence and are in need of assistance, view Council's full list of resources.
