White Ribbon Day 2016
Published Date: 25 Nov 2016
Summary
Today is White Ribbon Day, recognising that individually and collectively we can play a positive role in preventing domestic violence, particularly against women.
Just this week, the NSW Police Force reported there has been a 40 percent increase in domestic violence related homicide this year, compared to 2015.
Sadly, research also shows that during and after times of disaster such as bush fires, the incidence of family violence increases.
We can and must do something.
We know that the NSW RFS is not immune to domestic violence. Some of our members are victims, some may be perpetrators, and many are likely to come into contact with victims within the community.
The NSW RFS has worked with the NSW Police Force to produce a new resource for members, who through responding to a range of incidents within their community, come face to face with the issue of domestic and family violence.
A conversation card has been developed, containing some key questions that can be asked:
Ask: Are you safe at home?
Name it: What you’ve just described to me is violence and it’s a crime.
Respond: Give contact details of the local domestic violence service and NSW Police Force.
Follow up: Last time you spoke about your safety. I’d like to know how you are now.
These cards will be distributed to our brigades across the state.
I would encourage you to take the White Ribbon Day oath at www.whiteribbon.org.au
Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM
Commissioner NSW Rural Fire Service
