Hundreds in Colac call out domestic violence in Walk for Respect

Standing before a crowd of around 200 at Colac’s Memorial Square on Saturday, April Burton shared a painful story many can relate to. 

The occasion was the town’s inaugural Walk for Respect, organised by the Colac and Colac West Rotary Clubs. 

The event included a walk around the square, guest speakers like Burton sharing personal stories and advice, and opportunities for attendees to learn about the signs of domestic violence and how to connect with support services.

“I didn't know that I was speaking at first; I got a message from the Rotary Club, who saw that I was doing a bit of [social media] posting around domestic violence, and they invited me to be a part of the committee,” Burton told the Brolga.

The 29-year-old mother of four recently created a video featuring men from prominent local businesses speaking out against domestic violence, which sparked conversations across Colac. 

“[The committee met] once a month to organise the event, that's when I brought forward my idea for the video, and they were looking for people with lived experiences, so I thought I might as well put my hand up.

“I've got three little girls and one little boy, so that's [a] big drive behind what I do. That's their future I'm trying to advocate for, and everyone else’s children as well.”

Burton’s video aired at the Walk for Respect, where she also spoke candidly about her own experience as a survivor of domestic violence.

“I'm not really one to overly put myself out there, which is sort of changing these days, but people were coming up to me after my speech and thanking me for not holding back, just saying it how it is,” she said.

“Being a voice for women, after not having my voice for so long … seems pretty kick-ass to me.”

She said the positive reception at Saturday’s walk and online had been overwhelming.

“The feedback was amazing. As a survivor, it makes you feel less lonely … that people actually, genuinely, give a shit about the cause.”

While Burton acknowledged the long road ahead, she hoped the Walk For Respect event would grow in the years to come and encourage men to actively challenge toxic behaviour.

“There's still such a stigma behind domestic violence and that's why I addressed men with the video, wanting it to be from a male voice,” she said. “Some men and women are still stuck in the mindset that it's a woman's problem to deal with, when, statistically speaking, 95 percent of all victims come from a male perpetrator. 

“So it's really tackling that there's a violence issue with men. If more men came up, spoke out and started calling out toxic behavior, then I think that would have a ripple effect on the community [and lead to] a bit more respect and empathy.”