By STEVE GRAY
IT’S time to stand up and be counted, Warwick.
The mayor has taken up the challenge to combat domestic violence, supported by local business houses and the police.
Mayor Peter Blundell is part of the CEO Challenge, a nation-wide campaign that asks CEOs and community leaders to take action to help prevent domestic violence in families and communities.
At the same time they raise funds to support local services for women who need housing or other assistance.
Cr Blundell will host a dinner at the Warwick RSL on 9 November and he is calling on the community for support.
He said several businesses have already come on board.
RSL Manager Joann Schwenke had been very generous in her support, he said.
“Joann and her staff are supporting this very worthy cause and I wanted to say a huge thanks to the RSL for this contribution,” Cr Blundell said.
“I am pleased that so many local businesses have supported my campaign by donating raffle prizes.
“We have some wonderful accommodation prizes, wine and other giveaways and these alone make it worth coming to the CEO Challenge dinner.”
Comedian and entertainer Eric Summons will provide entertainment and APN newspapers have supported the cause.
“The funds from the CEO Challenge go to local support services for women who are experiencing domestic violence and there is a specially-designed workplace program that local businesses can implement so that managers and supervisors can assist employees who may be experiencing difficult home circumstances,” Cr Blundell said.
Anyone interested in attending please book tickets through the council by phoning 4661 0423.
Time to take a stand, Southern Downs.
FACTBOX
– The most common form of violence was physical assault (experienced by 84 per cent of women who suffered violence from either a current or previous partner).
– Sexual violence was experienced by 17 per cent (from current partners) and 24 per cent (from previous partners), with a significant number of women also subjected to threats of physical or sexual assault.
– One in four women experience physical and or sexual violence from their husband or intimate partner in their lifetime.
