Media Release: 16 October 2006

PUPPETS TO PREVENT VIOLENCE

Week Without Violence 2006 features Maribyrnong Picnic in the Park, a family event which this year focusses on family violence prevention using puppets to creatively convey the message. All are invited to the picnic from 12pm - 4pm on Sunday 22 October at Alex Beaton Reserve, Yarraville.

Melissa Afentoulis, CEO of Women's Health West, has been working with local governments in the west to develop a series of creative professional development and community education events during this year's Week Without Violence (October 22 - 29).

"Family violence is threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that encompasses physical, emotional, social, sexual, financial abuse, and occurs within a variety of close interpersonal relationships - between partners, parents and children, and siblings" said Ms Afentoulis. "It includes behaviour that causes a person to live in fear."

"We know from research like VicHealth's 'The Health Costs of Violence: measuring the burden of disease caused by intimate partner violence' that one in five women report being subjected to violence at some time in their adult lives," she said, "and that intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15-44."

Ms Afentoulis added that, "the UN committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women found that children who witness family violence are at higher risk of psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and even early death. Exposure of children to family violence is an important risk factor in both becoming a future perpetrator and a future victim of violence."

Puppeteer Chris Burke of Gracie Productions says, "My workshops incorporate the Yarramundi Kids puppets as dynamic story tellers. Their playful approach to serious problems entertains as well as educates workers to assist children and families affected by violence and abuse."

The Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong, Cr Janet Rice, applauds the messages that the puppets deliver to the community. "Educating the community, especially children, on the perils of family violence brings the subject out into the forefront instead of hiding it behind closed doors."

The puppet show at the Picnic in the Park is just one of the events run during Week Without Violence, for details about other Yarramundi Kids puppet events go to www.whwest.org.au

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH MAYOR:

2.45pm, Sunday 22 October 2006

Yarraville Senior Citizens Centre, Alex Beaton Reserve, Fehon St, Yarraville

MEDIA:

The MARIBYRNONG PICNIC IN THE PARK will be opened by the Mayor of Maribyrnong, Cr Janet Rice. For more information or to arrange an interview with Melissa Afentoulis contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator at Women's Health West on 9689 9588 or via email.