HEDLAND COMMUNITY MARCHES TO SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

School children joined the South Hedland march against domestic violence. Credit: Gerard Mazza.

Hundreds gathered in South Hedland yesterday for the ‘Hedland Says No to Family Violence’ march. 

The Hedland Family Violence Action Group organised the march as part  of Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

Around 300 community members stood for a minute’s silence to pay respect domestic violence victims before marching the streets.

Event MC and Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance Culture Connect Coordinator Kesi-Maree Prior said statistics show one person dies each week in Australia at the hands of a loved one.

“We know that the impact of family violence can be significant, and communities, as well as individuals, feel that brunt,” she said.

“So it’s about collectively standing up as one and saying “No.”’

Listen to interviews with Kesi-Maree Prior and other attendees at the march:

Kariyarra Elder Alfred Barker gave a Welcome to Country at the march. Credit: Gerard Mazza.

Tim Turner led workers from BHP and FMG in ‘the rock and water salute’, a martial arts exercise grounded in respect. Credit: Gerard Mazza.