Breaking the cycle of gender-based violence

ST Patrick’s College students will get on their bikes today to raise awareness around respectful relationships and to help end violence against women.

The student-led initiative, Break the Cycle, will see teams of students and staff cycle non-stop for 24 hours starting at 4pm on Friday 30 August.

The ride will symbolise the continuous effort required to break the cycle of gender-based violence.

Boarding house captain and student council member Oliver thought of the idea after the alleged murders of three Ballarat women earlier this year.

“In the term one holidays I was talking to Tamara Westwood who’s our boarding master and we were discussing recent events in Ballarat and how there had been some murders that are gender-based,” he said.

“We were talking about that and how horrific it was and that we wished we could do something and that sparked it.”

Throughout the event, educational and guest speakers will talk about the importance of respectful relationships the impact of gendered violence.

The aim is to equip students with the knowledge they need to advocate for change.

“We hope to raise awareness around it and have all the community, the boarding house, student council and Loreto unite as one to ride for something that’s worth raising awareness for,” said Ollie.

The event will feature a raffle and silent auction, and all money raised will be donated to Raven Collective which offers paid employment opportunities to people who have experienced domestic violence.

Domino’s Pizza in Bakery Hill will also donate one dollar from every pizza purchased tonight towards the cause.

“It’s been in the media a lot at the moment, so I do think it’s really important having a lot of younger staff members to get them on board and be aware within out store,” said store manager Nicole Gallagher.

To make a donation visit bit.ly/4dRE0AK.