Wednesday was White Ribbon Day, and workers and tradesmen were called on to pledge their support for the male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women at a stand set up at the Smoko Shed at Leewood Estate.

Canobolas Local Area Command domestic violence liaison officer Senior Constable Granton Smith attended the stand and said the campaign was about men encouraging other men.

“We are trying to get men to put the ribbon on and then go back to their work place,” Senior Constable Smith said.

However, he said it was also about more than just wearing the ribbon.

He asked participants to act and encourage other men to think and talk about domestic violence, and when they come across it say it’s not on, and tell others where they can go to change their behaviour. 

“Anecdotally where I sit we’re seeing a higher report rate, more engagement, more people are coming forward,” Senior Constable Smith said.

“In terms of what gets reported, we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg.”

The White Ribbon campaign coincided with research released by the federal government yesterday that found attitudes about violence towards women were entrenched and many women are often blamed for attacks against them, despite 96 per cent of respondents condemning domestic violence.

Housing Plus provide support services for women and children experiencing violence and abuse in Orange, and its chief operating officer Steve Stanton also attended the Orange stand.

“There were 1074 separate cases of domestic violence reported in the past 12 months,” Mr Stanton said.

“And we know that a large number of assaults go unreported, so it’s more than likely that someone you know, or make contact with during your day in Orange, is either a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence.”

The Smoko Shed was chosen as a White Ribbon Day site for its popularity with working men, and its owner Nick Cunial said he was happy to back the cause, saying men would be more receptive to the message coming from other men.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au