Locals will take take a stand against domestic violence this Sunday as part of the annual I Run For Her community event organised by Tighes Hill based charity, Got Your Back Sista.
This year the event will expand its reach by sparking critical conversations about domestic violence on a national scale with I Run For Her events simultaneously held across the country.
Established in 2016 as a registered charity, Got Your Back Sista has assisted over 600 women and children in breaking free from domestic violence and poverty.
They provide support by furnishing safe homes, offering confidence-building courses, and creating pathways to education and employment. While currently focused on the Hunter and Taree Regions, they aim to expand to other regional centres.
And their help is much needed.
Recent media reports have called domestic abuse rates in Australia a “national shame,” highlighting the alarming statistics that indicate this issue continues to be a grave concern.
One in three women has experienced physical violence, one in four women has experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member, and one in five women has experienced sexual violence. Shockingly, one woman is killed by a current or former partner every nine days.
“We cannot change what we cannot see and domestic violence has been lurking in the shadows for too long,” I Run For Her ambassador, Madeleine West said.
“The social, economic and personal cost is too great to ignore. These are difficult but necessary conversations. For those experiencing domestic violence, the sense of isolation is crushing. But you are not alone and united we can make a difference.”
Now in its fourth year, I Run For Her continues to spread a message of solidarity for those who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence. This flexible and inclusive event allows participants to choose what, where, when, and how they participate, as well as manage their own fundraising efforts.
Event partner, the Australian Assembly of Administrators (AAA), will host 5km walks or runs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, rallying their network and the wider community to join their teams. Got Your Back Sista will host a run for the fourth year in Newcastle.
The 2023 I Run For Her event will be held this Sunday, 15 October. You can register a fundraising walk or run, or join a team by visiting mycause.com.au.
