THE DESPERATE need to lift the veil of secrecy on the epidemic of violence in the home was a key plea at Wednesday's White Ribbon march in Ararat.
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Scores of residents pounded the bitumen from J-Ward to Alexandra Gardens behind a banner that vowed to be 'not violent, not silent'.
White Ribbon Committee of Ararat spokeswoman Danielle Jenkins was herself a victim of domestic violence.
Mrs Jenkins gave the gathering a powerful account of the four years of abuse she suffered at the hands of a former partner.
"If I was told that at the age of 22 the man who was supposed to love me would beat me more times than I care to remember, I would have laughed in your face," she said.
"I knew nothing about domestic violence, its warning signs or its patterns.
"Domestic Violence can happen to everyone - all races, all religions, all income and educational levels."
Mrs Jenkins said her wish is for domestic violence to no longer be a secret.
"We can all learn to listen better, to see more clearly when someone in our life needs help," she said.
"Sometimes all that is needed in order to seek help is non-judgment, kindness, and presence.
"Let's teach the women of the future that this behaviour is not acceptable and teach the men of the future that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
"If you know of anyone who needs help, please let them know that you are there, let's stand up for each other.
"Education and change starts in the home. Let's do our part."
Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper called on residents to join him in taking steps to address the scourge of violence against women.
"The first steps in change are recognising there is a problem, understanding it and accepting that there is a need to fix it.
"Women and girls in our community are being harmed every single day.
"Sadly, most of this crime is caused by someone who the victim knows - even an intimate partner.
Cr Hooper said in 2014 there were 237 incidents of family violence in Ararat - the tenth highest rate in Victoria.
"It's time for us to take the lead in eradicating violence against women," he said.
After Wednesday's march there was an oath-swearing ceremony, tree planting and community barbecue.
Mrs Jenkins and her husband donated the plaque for the tree planting which was completed by St Arnaud's Clyde and Iris Teusner and their family.
They lost their daughter Simone to domestic violence in 2011 at the age of 43.
