Event aims to fight domestic violence

In a move to reduce and address the issue of domestic violence in the Pilbara, BHP Billiton is holding a Help Soften the Blow advocacy event.

In partnership with the Well Women’s Centre and other not-for-profit organisations in Port Hedland, the advocacy event aims to educate and inform the public about domestic violence.

BHP Billiton senior port executive Clayton Hanrahan hopes the event will give people some skills in identifying domestic violence and learn what they can do.

“The main focus is obviously raising awareness and getting more people to understand what domestic violence is and how it affects people,” he said.

“We’re hoping to get more people to understand and break the cycle of domestic violence.”

Keynote speaker Kristy McKellar will bring her expertise and share her story of domestic violence survival and encourage the community to stand up and create social change.

Other local advocacy groups will also share their stories.

These include Mission Australia, Hedland Women’s Refuge, Relationships Australia and the Youth Involvement Council.

The advocacy event will be at the Walkabout Hotel on Wednesday, May 3, from 6pm-8pm.

For more information, contact the Well Women’s Centre on 9140 1124.