The Rotary Club of Sunbury opened the door on discussions about family violence, with a forum in late March.
The event was held at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, with speakers including state and local police, and Orange Door and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) representatives.
Respect Victoria reported in March 2023, about 39 per cent of women in Victoria have experience physical or sexual violence since the age of 15.
Sunbury Rotary member Terry Grant said Rotary in Australia and New Zealand decided they want to put a voice in the community to stop the violence.
“The forum was to shed light on the occurrence of family violence within the community as well as highlight some of the support groups currently operating in the community,” he said.
“Victoria Police Sunbury officers Senior Sergeant John Bliss, Acting Senior Sergeant Tarek Najmeddine and Sergeant Erin Simpler along with several other officers attended to explain the seriousness of the issue in our community.
“The Orange Door representative Mary Delia gave an address on the services offered locally to the victims of family violence and the support provided.
“Justine Maher, Jarryd Pantazis and Adam Stefano [from SCCH] provided an extensive insight into the services they provide emphasising that all services are readily available to the broader community members.”
Mr Grant said the Rotary Club were thankful for the support from the organisations in the lead up to the forum and on the day.
“Personally, I find it very gratifying to live in a community where such professional and personal support systems are in place for all of us,” he said.
Zoe Moffatt
