No-one was left behind for the Campaspe DASH

Organised by Campaspe Shire Council, the event coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

And with 50 women already killed violently this year, the DASH brought home an important message when it comes to domestic violence.

“One in three Australian women are affected by physical or sexual violence from someone they know and, one average, one woman a week is murdered in our country by a current or former partner and that's just not acceptable,” Campaspe Shire mayor Adrian Weston said.

“This campaign's message is respect women — call it out. Domestic violence is a real issue and our shire is no exception.

“The DASH is our way of starting the conversation with a united approach to creating change.

“The theme — leave no-one behind — was represented in our participants all finishing together at the finish line.”

Wolithica elder Uncle Rick Ronnan praised council for highlighting an important cause.

“I'm coming up to 47 years married and I have never raised my hand to my wife, my children have never seen it and I have two sons and two daughters and I hope that my sons will never revert to domestic violence,” he said.

“Why hurt the ones you love the most? I know our wives, partners and girlfriends are very close to us but if you've got something to take out on somebody, go for a walk, take it out on a tree or something, don't take it out on the best thing you've got in life.”

Family violence court liaison officer Leading Senior Constable Rhonda Ford said family violence had a devastating and far-reaching impact, not only the victims, but on their families, children and loved ones, neighbours, work colleagues and the community as a whole.

“As we are now aware, family violence does not discriminate. People from all walks of life, socio-economic backgrounds, the young and the old can be victims and perpetrators of family violence,” she said.

“Family violence is much more than just physical violence. More often than not, it's the insidious psychological and emotional abuse and controlling behaviours.”

Snr Constable Ford said family violence must not be viewed as primarily the responsibility of the police or criminal justice system.

“As a community, we all have a responsibility to take action to stop this behaviour,” she said.

“As a community we must ask questions, observe people's behaviours and intervene or speak up early so that the victim and also the perpetrators can get the help that they need so future violence is stopped.

“We must ensure our children and future generations are not subjected to or witness family violence so they can grow up with a sense of security and in an environment where they feel safe and loved.

We must be confident to speak up so the domestic abuse stops here.”

■ If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800R