Men speak out against violence

The Rockingham community joined the campaign to prevent violence against women on White Ribbon Day last Friday.

The City of Rockingham hosted three morning teas with guests speakers at Mary Davies, Rockingham Central and Safety Bay libraries with all proceeds given to the Lucy Saw Women’s Refuge Centre.

Fremantle Multicultural Centre mental health access officer Mathias Silas spoke at the Rockingham Central Library and said it was great to get the issue out in the open and for it to be acknowledged. “The reason why it is important is so people get some kind of awareness around family domestic violence; it’s still taboo in some communities so it’s not openly spoken about and people still try and push it under the rug,” he said.

“As men, we are responsible. I’m not here to crucify the perpetrators, that’s not my intention, but to just get the message across and help people understand.

“I’m here to say that as a man if I can make a difference, I’m sure every other man can also make a difference.”