Groups align against family violence

CAFS has reinforced its commitment to inclusivity by re-signing as a Communities of Respect and Equality Alliance partner.

A five-year-old Women’s Health Grampians initiative, the CoRE Alliance includes grassroots groups, clubs, organisations, and enterprises that hold a common goal to create respectful, safe, equal communities, and prevent violence against women and children.

Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess made the renewed partnership official last week.

“In the lead to White Ribbon Day and the United Nations 16 Days of Activism, Cafs felt it was important to again commit ourselves to the CoRE Regional Plan,” she said.

“Cafs believes that the responsibility for family violence always rests with the person using violence, and our men’s behaviour change program is our unwavering commitment to eliminating family violence and supporting the safety of families.”

Women’s Health Grampians CEO Marianne Hendron said the Alliance follows the CoRE regional plan to prevent violence against women and their children.

“CoRE members commit to… take proactive and meaningful steps to promote gender equality,” she said.

“Cafs have been a proud CoRE member since its inception, and WHG is delighted Cafs have recommitted to CoRE.

“This demonstrates Cafs’ ongoing and continued prioritisation for these issues, and WHG looks forward to continuing to support Cafs on their journey for equality and inclusion.”

Cafs is also part of the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation program.

White Ribbon Ballarat chair Jade Hateley said her organisation stands in solidarity with each person who is in a situation of family violence or has experienced it in the past.

“We are very grateful to align our support with Cafs who continue to provide tremendous support and resources to the prevention of violence against women,” she said.