Donnybrook yells loud and proud during march to end gendered violence in community

Pots and pans were put to a different use in Donnybrook last week as residents took to the streets to make some noise and march against domestic violence. Thursday marked the international day for the elimination of violence against women and the beginning of 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign, an initiative that draws inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign as an opportunity for communities across the State to show support for ending sexual, family and domestic violence against women. About 30 community members made themselves heard as they banged pots and pans and blew whistles while marching through town to urge others to speak up against gender-based violence and to not let the issue be ignored. Organised by the town’s Country Women’s Association branch, the “noisy awareness walk against domestic violence” brought together community representatives, local school students and police as they marched a lap of the town centre before hearing a speech from WA Police South West family violence service officer-in-charge Sergeant Don McLean. Donnybrook-Balingup Shire president Leanne Wringe was among the marchers and said it was important to raise awareness about an issue many people were reluctant to talk about. “We know violence at home increased as people were locked down with their partners during COVID,” she said. “It’s still an issue, even if it’s something we don’t often hear about because it’s behind closed doors.” Cr Wringe said it was powerful to see the community pull together for the cause.