'Every Woman Deserves to Feel Safe': Australians Unite Against Domestic Violence

Newcastle — Communities across Australia are expected to walk and run this Sunday in a national campaign against domestic and family violence, raising funds for women and children affected by abuse as Newcastle-based charity, Got Your Back Sista, marks 10 years of supporting survivors.

The seventh annual, I Run For Her, campaign will take place on October 25, bringing together individuals, families, workplaces, sporting clubs and community groups to honour victims, stand in solidarity with survivors and fund support services.

Participants can walk or run any distance, at any location across Australia, with organised gatherings planned at Empire Park in Newcastle, Warners Bay Esplanade and Toronto Hotel in the Hunter region.

Regional meetups are also scheduled for Coffs Harbour, Canberra, Port Macquarie and Taree.

Got Your Back Sista founder, Melissa Histon, said the campaign was intended to challenge attitudes towards domestic violence and remind survivors that they were not alone.

“Every woman deserves to feel safe in her own home. Yet for far too many women and children, home is the very place where they experience fear and violence,” Histon said.

“I Run For Her is our way of saying enough is enough. It's about communities coming together to say that domestic violence is not acceptable, that we stand with women who have experienced abuse, and that we're committed to being part of the solution," she said.

This year's event coincides with the 10th anniversary of Got Your Back Sista, which was established in Newcastle in 2016 to support women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

The charity says it has assisted more than 5,000 women and their children over the past decade through practical assistance, counselling, recovery and healing programmes, and support to help survivors achieve independence.

Histon said escaping an abusive situation was often only the beginning of a longer recovery process.

“Women need support to heal from trauma, rebuild their confidence and self-worth, and create safe, independent futures for themselves and their children,” she said.

She said proceeds from registrations and fundraising would help the organisation continue providing practical and emotional support to survivors.

The campaign has also secured support from National Rugby League club Newcastle Knights, with players Mat Croker and Bo Vette-Welsh appearing in a promotional video encouraging community participation.

Histon said the involvement of men and sporting organisations was important in challenging attitudes towards domestic and family violence, which she described as a community-wide issue rather than solely a women's issue.

“When men use their voices to stand against domestic violence, it sends such an important message, especially to younger generations,” she said.

She said the campaign is open to people of all ages and fitness levels, with no prescribed distance or requirement to participate at an organised venue.

Histon said people could take part in support of someone they knew, in memory of a victim or simply to show solidarity with survivors.

“Because every woman deserves to know that when she needs help, her community has her back,” she said.