Rider aims to fight domestic violence

With only the bare necessities strapped to his motorcycle, Ivan Phillips will stop in Albany today to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Mr Phillips will travel through 55 regional towns, including Esperance, in a 15,000km solo ride around Australia.

Riding Free of DV was inspired by Mr Phillips’ step-daughter, Tash, who was murdered after she was subjected to severe domestic abuse. Mr Phillips began the three-month journey on August 1 and said it was vital to him that the journey visited regional areas and encouraged communities to stand up, seek support and talk about the issue.

“I don’t want anyone to go through what my family went through, and that’s why it is important that I share my story with others — what we endured and why we need to talk more about domestic violence in our community,” he said.

“It all starts with respect and men standing up to say ‘enough is enough’. “But when it comes to domestic violence, especially in tight-knit communities, a lot of people might feel shameful to say something.”

On average, one woman is killed every week as the result of violence by her partner.

“My ride is about helping to create awareness and encourage conversation and support in regional areas to bring it out into the open,” Mr Phillips said.

Visit @RidingFreeofDV on Twitter and Instagram to follow the journey.