In the time it takes you to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, roughly 10 minutes, it is quite likely members of Victoria Police will be called to respond to an incident of family violence somewhere in Victoria.
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Most strikingly, that incident of family violence could well have occurred in the municipality of Ararat Rural City.
The council area is now ranked the sixth highest for incidences of family violence in Victoria, ahead of City of Ballarat (11) and City of Melbourne (40).
In response, Ararat is taking a lead a role in efforts to combat the problem which is plaguing society and so it should.
Women's Health Grampians has partnered with Ararat Rural City Council and AME Systems to implement Act@Work, a program aiming to build healthier workplaces with a culture of respect and non-violence, by encouraging workers to speak up.
The community is also keenly aware of the issue with more than 130 people attending last Thursday morning's Leading Change Breakfast at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay spoke passionately about the need for cultural change alongside Victorian Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge and North Melbourne Football Club's Darren Crocker.
As Mr Lay pointed out, unless people are prepared to challenge inappropriate behaviour, the cultural attitudes that lead to violence will remain a 'pervasive and damaging force' within our community.
