Colourful knitted wraps adorning trees around Wyong are aimed at drawing attention to the high number of incidents of domestic and family violence on the Central Coast.
Co-ordinated by the Zonta Club Central Coast, joined by members of Soroptimists Brisbane Waters and CWA Woy Woy, the ‘yarn bomb’ installations wrap trees in Alison Rd and Pacific Hwy at Wyong.
This action is part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign which began on November 25 and runs through until December 10.
The eye-catching wraps will remain in place until December 15.
“Many people do not recognise that physical violence is not the only form of abuse that people experience,” Central Coast Zonta Club Advocacy Chairperson Gael Butler 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.”
In Australia, one in four women and one in 13 men experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence at the hands of a partner.
It is estimated that on average one woman dies each week due to domestic violence while about 660 domestic violence matters are dealt with by police each day.
The Central Coast has the second highest number of domestic violence incidences in NSW and is over-represented in breaches of apprehended violence orders.
The yarn bomb brings positive messaging and hope by offering suggestions about how the scourge of domestic violence can be reduced by not accepting gender stereotypes; promoting women’s independence; encouraging respectful relationships; and confronting domestic violence acts wherever and whenever they occur.
“The installations at Wyong have already been viewed by hundreds of people,” Butler said.
“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.”