People will be rallying in Pakenham tomorrow to protest against domestic violence in the Shire of Cardinia as part of White Ribbon Day.

Locals from the suburbs of Officer, Pakenham, Upper Pakenham and Maryknoll are expected to walk in the march which will depart from the Pakenham library on the corner of Henry and John Streets at 12 noon. A BBQ to be attended by guest speakers will follow.

The walk is being organised by Cardinia Family Violence Network in response to the high rate of reported family violence incidents in the region. Cardinia Shire has the second highest rate of reports in the State.

The staff of our Ryan Carlisle Thomas Pakenham office will proudly join the walk.

As a local legal executive with our firm, I personally see too many cases of domestic violence where I help survivors, who are mainly women, lodge claims for assistance under the victims of crime scheme. While that scheme does help people to financially and medically get back on their feet, it would be far better to cut the rates of violent attacks, which occur mainly against women and children.

I’d urge all local people who care about the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens to stand with Cardinia Shire and the local family violence network.