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White Ribbon Day is marked around the world every year on 25th November to highlight the existence of family violence in an attempt to take a step towards its eradication. On 20th November 2014, the Casey Multifaith Network held forum entitled “Preventing Family Violence” to express their solidarity with the cause of the White Ribbon Foundation, which was attended by over 120 people of different faith backgrounds.

The forum was held at the City of Casey Council Chambers starting at 6:30pm and was organized with support and assistance from Challenge Family Violence Group and the department of Community Strengthening at the City of Casey.

Organizers of the White Ribbon Day Forum, including the keynote speaker Dr. Ree Bodde

The program began with a welcome from Mr Jim Reiher, who is the President of the Casey Multifaith Network and also a Challenge Family Violence Mentor. He said that that this is an important night to impart information and to inspire a change to eradicate violence against women (and men and children). A short performance was presented by a Quartet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Quartet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints presented entertainment

 Jim Reiher presented a brief history of the White Ribbon movement and statistics which are alarming. He then introduced the keynote speaker for the night, Dr Ree Bodde, a family violence researcher from the Anglican church, who said that violence is a choice, not an instinct and it is never excusable. Men have a key role to play in prevention of violence against women.

All guests repeated the White Ribbon Oath: “I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women”.

 An overview of the guests present at the White Ribbon Forum, round table discussion and interactive question and answers by audience

Following her presentation, the guests participated in round table discussions, brainstorming on these two questions:

1. What are some of the enablers and barriers to preventing violence against women in your faith community?
2. What can your faith community do to make a difference in the prevention of violence against women? Brainstorm some practical strategies

Members of the Casey Multifaith Network with guests

Light refreshments were served to all the participants. White ribbons and bracelets from the White Ribbon Day Foundation were sold to raise funds for the organization. Among the guests were Members of Parliament, Mayor of City of Casey, Councillors of City of Casey, and members of other interfaith networks, to mention a few.

The event was successful in attaining the objective set forth, which was to raise awareness among members of faith communities about the presence of family violence amidst our society and to encourage everyone to take a strong stance against this social vice. For more information about the Casey Multifaith Network, visit their Facebook page.