Domestic violence traumatises children and women in our City and it is time we, as a community, said enough is enough.

As a White Ribbon Day Ambassador, I will be challenging our local men to be real men and rid our community of this violence and fear. There is no excuse for domestic violence and it will not be tolerated in this great city of Bankstown.

I urge the community to support this most important campaign by participating in Bankstown City Council's events, and help to raise awareness amongst their family and friends by buying a wrist band or ribbon. Visit the White Ribbon Day website to take the oath and demonstrate your commitment to preventing violence against women.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 Australian women over the age of 15 have experienced physical or sexual violence. These numbers deeply affect us as a community and we cannot afford to address this problem only one day a year.

This needs to be an ongoing campaign, something that we are vigilant about each and every day of our lives.

The women living in our community are our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and daughters and it is unacceptable for anyone to treat them with violence or harm.

I urge everyone to make this campaign a priority and be active in protecting the women we love and care for.

White Ribbon Day wrist bands and ribbons can be purchased at Bankstown's Council Customer Service Centre, Bankstown Library and at any of Council's White Ribbon Day events.

Council has a number of events planned for White Ribbon Day:

•Men's Exercise Workout -25/11/11, 7:00AM-8:30AM, Paul Keating Park. Please pre-register by emailing margaret.southwell@bankstown.nsw.gov.au or calling 9707-9471
•Youth Showcase- 25/11/11, 3:00PM start, Bankstown Plaza, Swane Reserve, North Terrace, Bankstown
•Information Stall - 24/11/11 at Centro Bankstown

Donations can also be made at www.whiteribbon.org.au.