Maddy Dobson, counsellor Taryn, Tonia Timmermans and, front, Doris Razeng and Lucinda Rhook, will attend the cocktail party. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THE Zonta Club will use an International Women’s Day event in Albury tomorrow to launch a school program to tackle violence against women.
The club, with its 25 members, is part of an international organisation promoting women.
Its cocktail night tomorrow will acknowledge those working to prevent violence on the Border, as part of International Women’s Day.
Albury police last month said there were 130 cases of domestic violence reported a month.
“There is violence happening right now in the community,” Albury Wodonga Community Network chief executive Lucinda Rhook said.
“Women and girls who are experiencing violence here in this community.”
Network representatives, Albury Sexual Assault Services counsellors and police will be speakers tomorrow.
Albury police will talk about a Love Bites program they are trying to start in Border schools with workshops teaching teenagers about respectful relationships.
Zonta president Doris Razeng said starting the program would be the club’s focus this year.
The program ran from the Albury High School in 2011.
“There was some strong feedback,” Ms Rhook said.
She said education was a key in breaking the cycle of violence.
“To stay silent is saying it’s OK. We need to keep talking about it. We need men to be good role models,” she said.
Tickets for the cocktail night at Rydges Hotel, Dean Street, cost $30.
It starts at 6.30pm. To book, phone (02) 6023 1200 or email orders@christmasbeetle.com.au