Women, police join forces fighting back

Alex de Vos
A community action group has joined forces with Geelong police in a bid to fight violence against women.
Women’s advancement organisation Zonta Club will host an information evening next month to send a message that violence against women is unacceptable.
Zonta Geelong’s Joanne Metzger said the event would also raise funds to help protect women who were the victims of violence in the city.
Ms Metzger said the club was working on an information brochure for police to give “vulnerable women”.
The brochure would contain crisis and financial support information, police phone numbers, accommodation providers and counselling services.
“We’re really trying to raise awareness and invite the community to contribute to eliminating violence against women,” Ms Metzger said.
“There are a lot of women in Geelong who have been affected by violence – one in three women will experience some sort of violence.
“What we’re trying to do is bring about attitudinal change.”
The event follows a release earlier this year of Victoria Police revealing a spike in reports of family violence.
Police issued 1083 family violence safety notices between December and April, with reports peaking the day after Valentine’s day.
In March the Independent reported a “significant” rise in domestic assaults across Geelong in the previous year. Police received 294 reports of domestic assault in 12 months compared to 235 for the same time the previous year.
Geelong Police Inspector Kerryn Hynam, who will speak at the event, said violence against women was unacceptable.
Insp Hynman said 22 per cent of assaults in Geelong were related to family violence, “marginally” lower than the state average.
“It’s been fairly consistent but we would aim for zero per cent,” she said.
“What police are really pushing for is primary prevention to help eliminate domestic violence.”
Insp Hynman said the event would also promote White Ribbon Day on November 25, which calls for the end of violence against women.
Zonta Club’s Impact of Violence on our Community will be at Dromoland House, 258 Pakington Street, Geelong West, on November 4.
Ms Metzger asked anyone wanting more information to phone Fiona MacDowell on 5243 1345.