Sponsors sought to empower survivors

DO you run a business and want to help women and children in the Ballarat community who are escaping and recovering from domestic violence?

The Empowering Our Community Ballarat board and committee are seeking corporate sponsors who can assist them to do just that, backing the organisations that support DV survivors.

A partnership between networking group, Ballarat Business Women, and locally-based national domestic violence charity, DV Collective, the committee’s initiative will officially launch next month.

“Now is your opportunity to make a difference in Ballarat,” said Empowering Our Community Ballarat chair Bec Ware.

“Empowering Our Community Ballarat is a new domestic violence initiative shining a light on domestic violence support services in Ballarat, and attracting more into our region, and you can become a part of the solution.

“Launching on Tuesday March 26 at The Goods Shed, we invite the Ballarat community to stand with us in the fight against domestic violence and we are seeking leaders in the community to help with this event.

“Ballarat Business owners are consciously aware of community and always have been and this is your opportunity to stand behind our cause.”

There are different levels of sponsorship available, and businesspeople who are interested can contact [email protected].

Data shows one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a cohabiting partner.

“Your support will not only elevate your brand but also contribute significantly to the betterment of our community,” Ms Ware said.

There are reportedly 12 per cent more incidents of domestic violence in Ballarat in comparison to the Australian average.