Wagga men are banding together to make a stand against violence against women.
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The first White Ribbon Gala Ball in Wagga is being held on November 25 to raise money and awareness to stop violence against women.
“Events like this are important because it has become a social issue,” Acting Inspector in Wagga Local Area Command and White Ribbon Ambassador Phil Malligan said.
“Numerous male role models have come together to organise this ball to highlight the issue and highlight men against violence.
“We need changes in the community, we can’t just stand by and watch. On average one woman a week dies at the hands of their male partner. That’s somebody's daughter, sister or mother.”
As a White Ribbon Ambassador Inspector Malligan is actively pushing to end violence against women.
“Police within this command regularly attend to reports of violence against women,” he said.
Police are on the frontline in the fight against violence and have been actively making changes to improve the court process and outcome for victims.
“Police are at the forefront of dealing with domestic violence,” Insp Malligan said.
“We regularly lobby for legislative changes in dealing with investigating and streamling the court process.”
Recently, there have been a number of legislative changes including the digital recording of the victim’s evidence at the time of the assault.
This video can be played to the court alongside the victim giving a statement. Before this was introduced the victim would only be able to give their evidence verbally in court.
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“Offenders are more likely to plead guilty rather than have the video recording played in court,” Insp Malligan said.
Another change was the introduction of “plain english” Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO) to make them easier to understand. For the last 18 months police have been able to issue AVOs without requiring a magistrate to authorise an interim order. This enables police to protect victims by issuing the AVO immediately rather than having to go through the court.
“These changes have been made because police are at the forefront and through our lobbying to better equip police and reduce the impact on the victim when they go to court,” Insp Malligan said.
The ball will be held on Friday November 25 at the Wagga RSL Club at 6.30pm. Purchase tickets online from the RSL Club or by calling 6921 3925. All money raised goes to White Ribbon Australia and Wagga Women's Health Centre.
“The centre do an amazing amount of work supporting women who have been displaced through domestic violence,” Insp Malligan said.
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