WALKING AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE: A CALL TO ACTION

Living in a small rural town has its perks – familiar faces, a sense of safety, and a tight-knit community.

It’s easy to feel distance from the crime and violence that often fills our nightly news. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that even in these serene settings, the shadows of family violence can loom large.

Beaufort and Skipton Health Service invite our community to join the global initiative known as the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”. This movement serves as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, treated equally, and receive respect. If anyone in our community feels otherwise, it is our collective responsibility to take action and foster change.

The Health Service is excited to announce that we will be connecting in this global campaign, running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (celebrated as International Human Rights Day).

Our hope is that by raising awareness, even in our small towns, we can contribute to making a difference and ensuring that women and vulnerable people feel safe in their homes and communities.

As part of this initiative, Beaufort and Skipton Health Service is organising a “Walk Against Family Violence.” This event is more than just a walk, it is a statement of solidarity for those affected by family violence and an opportunity for our community to come together in support of change. The Health Service encourages everyone to join us as we take a stand. The walk will commence from the Beaufort Rotunda at 12.30pm on Monday 9 December 2024 and at 12.30pm on Tuesday 10 December at Stewart Park Skipton, and it promises to be a powerful display of unity and support. Together, we can amplify the voices of those who may be too afraid to speak out, and we can stand alongside those who are already working to change the alarming statistic that shows 1 in 3 women globally are exposed to gender-based violence.

Let us unite as a community to walk against family violence and advocate for a future where everyone feels safe and respected. Your presence matters, and together, we can make a difference. Join us for this important cause and be part of the change we want to see in our world.