Violence against women is now one of the most serious and widespread problems in Australia.

STATISTICS:

• At least 1 woman in Australia is killed every week by a current or former partner
• 1 in 3 Australian women over the age of 15 have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives
• In the first 6 months of 2016 there were 934 cases of domestic violence reported in Bankstown (reported in The Express newspaper 15/11/16)
• Bankstown is among the worst areas in NSW for domestic violence
• In the past month, 2 domestic violence-related homicides have taken place in Bankstown

The White Ribbon Campaign is a national prevention campaign which aims to raise awareness among Australian men and boys about the roles they can play to prevent violence against women, and calls for men around the country to speak out and take an oath – swearing never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

25 November is White Ribbon Day where men and women are encouraged to wear a white ribbon or wristband to show their support for the cause.

Canterbury-Bankstown City Council is running a Tug-of-War competition to help bring the issue of domestic violence to light in the local area, and Bankstown Sports Club is entering a team.

OUR WHITE RIBBON TEAM -

• Adrian Dinale (Cellar, GOFA)
• Phillip Mac (Bar, tray, GOFA)
• Matthew Thorne (Cellar, bar)
• John Vassallo (Bar, TL)
• Josh Carmichael (Sporting Clubs Manager, Sport & Community Department)

They will be competing against 25 teams from schools, businesses and community groups in the local area, and we wish them the best of luck!

To show your support for our White Ribbon team, head down to John Mackay Indoor Sports Centre on Chapel Rd South, Bankstown Memorial Oval between 12-3pm on Friday.

If you would like to make a donation to White Ribbon, please visit: www.whiteribbon.org.au/donate