THE international Clothesline Project in Frankston was launched Monday to raise awareness of family violence.
A clothesline on show at Cube 37, Frankston Arts Centre, 10-13 October, is being used to illustrate the Week Without Violence campaign.
It will then be displayed at different parts of the Mornington Peninsula over the next year.
T-shirts with anti-violence messages will be on show made by women and children impacted by family violence.
Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Family Violence Network is concerned about the high rates of family violence and believes the humble clothesline is a great way of raising awareness in the community.
The network’s volunteers and education assistant manager Saskia Weerheim said the concept was used all over the world.
Australian of the Year Rosie Batty launched a children’s book about
family violence, You Can’t Hide An Elephant, Monday, written by local author Sally Halligan.
Ms Weerheim said the book was designed for supported reading with children aged 6-12 years who have experienced family violence, and help give children a voice to share their experiences.
“It can help start a conversation about family violence and give children a voice to share their experience of family violence,” she said.
“It is ideally suited for use by professionals working with children and has a safety plan which can be photocopied for multiple use.”
The Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Family Violence Network brings together local organisations to offer the best outcomes for families experiencing family violence. They work towards preventing and reducing family violence and increasing the safety of women, children and families.
“The key message is that family violence is a fundamental violation of human rights and is unacceptable in any form,” she said.
Those needing help should call police on 000, Safe Steps (24-hour response) on 1800 015 188 or visit safesteps.org.au
First published in the Mornington News – 13 October 2015