Men take stand against violence

The rigidity of gender roles is an underlying reason for family and domestic violence, Albany Family and Domestic Violence Action Group chairman Kade Sims says.

To change these stereotypes, Mr Sims will join six other local men to take a public stand against domestic violence and will become White Ribbon ambassadors this Saturday.

Albany Public Library manager Paul Nielsen, Great Southern Grammar’s Dr Giles Watson, Anglicare’s Murray Field, Tim Christie and Jared Croston and headspace Albany manager Andrew Wenzel will also each take the oath to stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women.

The White Ribbon ambassadors will be endorsed at the White Ribbon Day Silent March to be held at Albany Peace Park from 10am.

In the past 12 months, family and domestic violence has claimed 19 lives in WA.

“Most men are not violent, however we know that a vast majority of violence experienced by women is committed by men,” Mr Sims said. “And the underlying reason for this is belief in rigid gender roles and the desire for power and control.

“This can take the form of men believing their role is the breadwinner and provider for their family, and that they are in charge of what happens in the home.”

In the past 12 months, Great Southern police have attended 1779 incidents of family and domestic violence, but it is estimated this represents just 20 per cent of incidents.

Mr Wenzel said it was vital to encourage respectful relationships and attitudes from a young age to discourage harmful beliefs about male roles in society.