In tune against family violence

Sue Clisby from Dandenong Ranges Music Council takes the oath with Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister, Monbulk Sergeant Mark Knight, Monbulk Liberal Candidate Mark Vershur, Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O'Donohue, Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock and former Monbulk Primary School prinicpal Ray Yates. Picture: MELISSA MEEHAN

By MELISSA MEEHAN

IF IT takes a brute of a man to hit a woman, it takes a real man to stand up and say it is not OK.
Police and community members came together on Tuesday to stand up against family violence as Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue announced $10,000 for a Dandenong Ranges Music Council (DRMC) project that is taking a stand against the issue.
DRMC president Sue Clisby said the funding would allow local people to get involved in the safety message.
“To those who think music and family violence don’t go together, I say to them that we have the power to make a message stay in your head with a catchy tune,” she said.
“We hope to use local people in the community and say that this kind of violence is not OK in Monbulk.”
She said that it was time for a road toll approach to the issue and that the DRMC could start getting the ball rolling locally.
Not only will the DRMC put a song together, but also a video and a blog.
“We want this message to spread, as well as be an interactive process,” she said.
“Our aim is to launch the CD on White Ribbon Day which is 25 November, it’s a short time line but we really think it’s important.”
Mr O’Donohue said that family violence was a serious issue in the greater community and there were various ways to get the message across.
“It’s a scourge on our community,” he said.
“And it’s great to see such a strong community response to the issue.”
For further information, visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au.