Family night focuses on domestic violence

Local service providers are hosting a free family night in Broome next Thursday to raise awareness of family violence in Aboriginal communities.

Broome Aboriginal Family Law Services and Helping Minds have teamed up with local agencies including the Broome Youth and Families Hub, Broome police and Red Cross Broome to organise the Ochre Ribbon Family Night.

Ochre Ribbon Day is part of the national awareness-raising campaign to reduce family violence in Aboriginal communities and its impacts on women, children and men. According to Broome Aboriginal Family Law Services, violence in Aboriginal communities against men, women and children across Australia has increased to alarming levels.

As of last year, February 12 was identified as Ochre Ribbon Day.

This year’s theme is Remember the Children and the Broome event has been organised to coincide with the anniversary.

The community is invited to go along and enjoy a meal and activities, and visit information stalls.

Face painting, a bouncy bed, and portable basketball are available for children.

Food will also be available and local artists Lyrical Instinct and Simon Williams will perform live on the night. Door prizes will also be given out.

Broome AFLS regional co-ordinator Maxine Chi said the event was an opportunity to inform people about the Ochre Ribbon campaign, the various types of domestic violence that existed, and the effects on children.

“The various agencies also want to use this event as a means of connecting with the community to inform them of their services and where to seek assistance when required,” she said.

The Ochre Ribbon Family Night will be held from 5pm-8pm at Goolarri Media Enterprises.

For more information call 9193 5455.