The waterfronts at Woy Woy’s Memorial Park and the Ettalong foreshore have been festooned with brightly coloured Yarn Bomb installations to mark the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence on November 25.
Co-ordinated by the Zonta Club Central Coast with input from members of Woy Woy CWA, Kamira Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services and Soroptimists Brisbane Waters, the yarn bombing aims to draw attention to the high incidence of domestic and family violence on the Central Coast.
“Many people do not recognise that physical violence is not the only form of abuse that people experience,” Zonta President Jill Davis said.
“Each of the trees has a message about different forms of violence and abuse, such as coercive control, financial and social restrictions and emotional abuse, as well as information about how to find help.
“This is an important action to help ‘Change the Story’.”
In 2021, around 620 cases of physical assault were reported on the Central Coast.
In Australia, it is estimated that on average one woman dies each week due to domestic violence while around 660 domestic violence matters are dealt with by police each day.
Davis said the amazing works of art bring positive hope by offering suggestions about how the scourge of domestic violence can be reduced through challenging gender stereotypes, promoting women’s independence, encouraging respectful relationships and confronting domestic violence acts wherever and whenever they occur.
The installations at Ettalong and Woy Woy have already been viewed by hundreds of people including Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch.
“Everyone is encouraged to go and spend some time viewing the trees and thinking about how we can each make a difference to make our community safer,” Davis said.
The16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign runs until December 10 with the eye-catching wraps to remain in place until December 17.
Source:
Media release, Nov 24
Zonta Club Central Coast