Say it Loud: Youth Speak out Against Violence

WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE 2003

"Violence of any sort doesn't solve anything."
"Don't use violence, because you're a dude!! Not crude ..."
"Some people are in bigger gangs than others. The gang I most scared of is the police ..."

These are young people's quotes from the Anger, Sorrow, Hopes and Dreams book, put together at Say it Loud, a youth event organised by Women's Health West and the Western Region Network Against Family Violence.

Graffiti art from the Say it Loud event

This event was just one of the many activities held around Australia and in other countries to mark the annual Week Without Violence. In Victoria, Week Without Violence in 2003 focussed on how violence affects young people, both in their families of origin and their relationships.

Held in the City Square, the event involved hip hop dancing classes, DJs, graffiti artists making art with a non-violence theme, and the Anger, Sorrow, Hopes and Dream Book, in which young people wrote their thoughts about violence.

One young woman rapped about violence and offered humorous solutions to anger management to a standing ovation from the crowd. Around 150 showbags were given away, including information on family violence, drugs and alcohol, healthy relationships, safer sex and support services, along with free CDs, stickers and magazines.

FIND OUT MORE about the Western Region Family Violence Prevention Network.