A night with the neighbours to build bonds

Sydneysiders are invited to host a night in with their neighbours this Friday (28 July) to help prevent domestic and family violence.

Hosting a White Ribbon Night with your neighbours is a fun way to tackle a serious issue and act to prevent the cycle of violence against women – and along the way raise money for this important cause.

White Ribbon is the world's largest movement to end men's violence against women and girls. It promotes gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

“It’s unacceptable that one woman is killed every week in Australia, on average, at the hands of a current or former partner,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Research shows social isolation can be both a cause and consequence of family and domestic violence. By breaking down barriers and strengthening relationships in our communities, we can all help support people affected by family and domestic violence.”

White Ribbon CEO Libby Davies said White Ribbon Night is an opportunity for all Australians to reach out to their neighbours and strengthen relationships.

“This year’s White Ribbon Night is focusing on the benefits of strengthening community relationships and building support networks within our neighbourhoods that can help prevent the occurrence of domestic violence,” Ms Davies said.

“White Ribbon Night is an opportunity for Australians to reach out to their neighbours, start important conversations which raise awareness of domestic violence and build strong community bonds that could be lifesaving.”

Research shows that one in three women experience physical or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them. One in three people who identify as LGBTIQ experience violence from a partner, ex-partner or family member, but they are less likely to seek support services that meet their specific needs.

The City of Sydney was one of the first organisations in Australia to take place in the White Ribbon workplace accreditation program, which recognises the City’s ongoing efforts to prevent domestic violence.

The City has a number of policies and procedures in place to create a safe and respectful workplace, raise awareness of family and domestic violence and provide support to victims. The City also conducts staff training to raise awareness of family and domestic violence, outline the measures to prevent it and offer advice on how victims can be supported.

Each year, staff take an oath to never commit, never condone and never stay silent about violence against women. City staff also raise money for White Ribbon through an annual fundraising biathlon.

“There is no place for violence against women and children in our society, so the City is doing all it can to take an active role in making our community a safer place for all people,” the Lord Mayor said.

For more information about domestic violence support services in the City of Sydney visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/health-and-safety/domestic-violence/domestic-violence-support-services

For more information about White Ribbon Night and how you can get involved in hosting a night in, visit whiteribbon.org.au/night

If you are experiencing domestic or family violence you can seek help from 1800RESPECT Helpline 24/7. Phone 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au

LGBTI people can also seek specific advice and support from ACON. Phone 02 9206 2000 or visit acon.org.au

For media enquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Angela Salt. Phone 0455 958 503 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, phone 02 8974 4165 or email [email protected]