VICTIMS of domestic violence have allies by their side, with Tamworth men pledging the White Ribbon oath.
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Signing the pledge, resident Jordan Kachel said it was up to other men to call out violent behaviour when they see it.
“I haven’t grown up around domestic violence but I have known people who have, it’s always really bothered me and it’s always been something I’ve been really vocal about it,” he said.
“If any of my friends were ever involved in it themselves I’ve always tried to be a positive influence on them to try to get them to not be a part of it.
“I think if someone isn’t going to be responsible for their actions it’s up to other men to hold them accountable for that.”
At least 2500 women and their children seek aid from Tamworth Family Support Services each year, and those are just the ones that are brave enough to come forward.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson made the oath on Friday, and TFSS domestic violence manager Lynda Townsend said it’s important that as many community members as possible acknowledge the epidemic.
“It’s great to see men coming out to support us and the cause of violence and recognise that they have an important part to play in a future free of violence against women and children,” she said.
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“I think what that looks like in the future is that if men are prepared to stand up then violence is less condoned.”
Ms Townsend called on the state government to provide more funding for victim support services in the region.
“Funding is integral to ensure that we can continue to move forward and hopefully change the future of violence,” she said.