Hills Says No To Domestic Violence

Kylie Druett has lived experience of the ripple effects of domestic violence on families and communities.

She has worked in various government and non-government organisations since early 2000 working to improve safety for women and children in their own homes.

Tragically, in 2017 her grand-daughter at 10 weeks old became the 5th generation of her family to experience the impacts of DV when her maternal grandmother was killed by her ex-partner.

Being a health professional and someone with significant lived experience of domestic violence, Kylie, her granddaughter’s paternal grandmother, set out to raise awareness and start discussions about domestic violence to ensure women and children who were killed did not become invisible or just number on an annual count.

The theme of the year’s Hills Says No to Domestic Violence event is “The Ripple Effect” and it will be held on Friday 24th November at the Castle Hill RSL, commencing at 9.45am.

It has been organised by the Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network.

Acting Police Superintendent Claudia Alcroft and Dr Niveditha Manokran will also speak at the event. Dr Niveditha Manokaran is a sex educator, TEDx speaker and domestic violence awareness advocate. She’s an ambassador of Indian Women Empower.

Students from Oakhill College will talk about their involvement in a project with The Sanctuary_ the Hills Women’s Shelter and students from Kellyville High will present their video on the Love Bites program being held in local high schools.

The program teaches teenagers the importance of respectful relationships has reached more than 1,000 local students already this year.

The NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect) program focuses on young teens aged 15-17 and consists of two interactive workshops addressing relationship violence and the foundation of healthy relationships.

Hills Says No to Domestic Violence Co-ordinator Aileen Mountifield from the Lisa Harnum Foundation said to date, 47 people, including children, have lost their lives as a result of DV.

Their names will be remembered at the moving rose ceremony which is held each year.

She said: “The rose ceremony is so important to reflect and remember people by name, who have died.

“Everyone is an individual, whose lives have been cut short by perpetrators (who are normally known to the victim).”

A “NO to Domestic Violence” poster campaign will be launched by Hills Shire Mayor Dr Peter Gangemi on behalf of the Hills Police Area Command, Hills Shire Domestic Violence Prevention Network and Hills Shire Council during the event.

It informs people of the different forms of domestic abuse and where to seek help.

Tickets to the Hills are limited but if you would like to attend scan the QR code to register. If you are seeking help and support call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

“The rose ceremony is so important to reflect and remember people by name, who have died.
Everyone is an individual, whose lives have been cut short by perpetrators
(who are normally known to the victim).”