‘We’ve got to try to stop it’: Shepparton Soroptimist members say no to domestic violence

By Patrick Morrow

Dec 7, 2022

United: Organiser Jill Pinner and fellow Soroptimist International of Shepparton members Liz Butler, Elaine Lenon, Diana Hall and Margaret Webster will be taking part in the walk on Saturday, which will raise awareness about the prevention of domestic violence. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Soroptimist International of Shepparton is sending a message to the community, as members prepare to hold a domestic violence prevention walk on Saturday, December 10 around Victoria Park Lake.

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Crime Statistics Agency figures for 2021 for Greater Shepparton show six in 10 families are impacted by domestic violence, with 36.4 per cent of incidents occurring in front of children.

The walk is part of Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific’s 16 Days of Activism to eliminate violence against women, which started on Friday, November 25 and is finishing on Saturday, December 10.

Organiser Jill Pinner is urging the community to come along and wear something orange as part of the walk.

**Wanting to walk:** Organiser Jill Pinner encourages the Shepparton community to take part in the walk and wear the colour orange while saying no to domestic violence. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“If people would like to come along and bring their sons and their husbands I think it would just (be) wonderful because the more we talk about it, the more people understand that we’ve got to try to stop it,” Mrs Pinner said.

The colour orange is being used to highlight the importance of the prevention of domestic violence.

“We’re hoping to have a big crowd here wearing orange T-shirts, so we can make a statement,” Mrs Pinner said.

Mrs Pinner said the walk would start at 10am on Saturday at Victoria Park Lake. It is a free event for all.

For more information, go to https://www.siswp.org/news/567-16-days-of-activism-end-femicide-now.html