THE Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce is bringing the community together for two events to mark White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, 25 November, encouraging conversations around women’s safety, respect and the prevention of domestic and family violence.
White Ribbon Day is an annual campaign highlighting the need to end violence against women and encouraging individuals and communities to take an active role in creating safer relationships and environments.
The statistics remain confronting: one in four Australian women has experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics research. That’s around 2.3 million women.
The chamber’s first event will be a free Introduction to Women’s Self Defence session at Tribe Gym in Laurieton, commencing at 11am.
Led by Laurieton woman Amy Vandenhurk and Veronica Muratori, the session will include practical safety advice and demonstrations of self-defence techniques.
While there will be limited physical involvement, it is designed to build awareness, confidence and resilience.
Ms Vandenhurk has a longstanding connection to self-defence, having been encouraged to participate in Ju-Jitsu and women’s self-defence by her father.
“I was fortunate to grow up with a dad who introduced me to Ju-Jitsu and women’s self-defence,” she said.
“Helping him teach these classes shaped my belief in the importance of empowering women through practical skills.
“Self-defence builds confidence, awareness and resilience.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and this workshop is an opportunity to share what I’ve learnt.”
Places at the women-only workshop are limited to 30, with comfortable clothing and water recommended.
The second event will be held at Laurieton United Services Club, with lunch from 12.30pm and a guest speaker from Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.
This gathering is open to everyone, with lunch costing $15.
Bookings for the self-defence session are available at www.trybooking.com/DRHWM, while lunch bookings can be made at www.trybooking.com/DRHWW.
The Chamber hopes the events will encourage the community to learn, connect and play a part in building a safer Camden Haven.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, or is at risk, support is available through the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
By Rachael THORPE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
