White Ribbon Day in Melbourne
The Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence held a very successful White Ribbon Day function to mark the annual international event when men around the world stand up and say “NO!” to violence against women and children.
Jeremy Meltzer-White, White Ribbon Day Ambassador, Jennifer Huppert – Event MC and JTAFV Board Member, Cathy Bettman – Sydney Therapist and author of “For All Our Sakes”, Deborah Wiener JTAFV Chair, Sahar Ghaly – survivor of family violence
Speakers addressed the realities of Family Violence from different perspectives at the function held at KAZARI in Malvern.
Sydney author and therapist Cathy Bettman discussed the psychology of men who use violence against the women and suggested that until the multi-faceted roles of women are respected, the violence will continue.
Survivor of Domestic Violence Sahar Ghaly recounted the 8 years of devastating abuse perpetrated against herself and her children at the hands of her former husband. She described the fear that kept her imprisoned in that relationship until the day her 10 year old daughter called 000.
White Ribbon Day Jeremy Meltzer and social entrepreneur spoke of his experiences in Latin America which raised his awareness of violence inflicted by current or ex-partners on the women they claimed to love. These experiences led him to explore the possibilities of business as “a force for good”. His latest social initiative is iEqualChange- turns customers into philanthropists at the point of sale by designating which charity they choose to support.
Jennifer Huppert, former member of the Victorian Parliament and JTAFV Board Member MC’d the event and Deborah Wiener, JTAFV Chair gave the vote of thanks.
A number of Jewish White Ribbon Day Ambassadors ably represent the Jewish community including Rabbi Ralph Genende, Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, Rabbi Ian Goodhardt, Rabbi Meir Shloime Kluwgant and Rabbi Fred Morgan
