How Can You Say No?
Last month, Got Your Back Sista inspired hundreds of people to join a campaign aimed at reducing domestic violence in our community.
Since that time, at least one other woman would have been killed at the hands of a current or former partner in Australia. This confronting reality is what drives the charity not only to raise awareness and funds to support those escaping violence but also encourage people within the community to continue the conversation that domestic violence is never ok.
The charity which was established just four years ago believes that domestic violence can be reduced if every person makes a small commitment to saying no to domestic violence.
Got Your Back Sista Founder Melissa Histon, said that she was overwhelmed with the support of the local community during the recent I Run for Her campaign, but the real work should continue. “It is a conversation that people should be having with their children, in their workplace and with their friends and family. Violence is never okay, and we must work individually and together to help people eradicate it from our community,” she said.
On 19 July 2020, Chair of local charity Got Your Back Sista, Belinda Smith, ran 21 kilometres to help raise awareness of domestic violence and the services that charity provides to help empower women and their children to thrive after experiencing violence.
Hundreds of people registered to raise funds as part of the charity’s 2020 Say No to Domestic Violence campaign with the community campaign raising over $50,000 for the charity.
“Real change comes when communities work together. In July, we saw the incredible efforts of so many who were committed to reducing violence in our community. It is our hope that people keep the conversation going,” Melissa said.
The 2020 ‘I Run for Her’ campaign is made possible due to the support of local businesses that believe violence is never okay. They include PD Insurance, Castle, HIC Services, OAS Minder, Purser Corporate Communication, Orica, Hunter Signs, the Newcastle Herald, City of Newcastle, Allambi Care and Peter Drayton Wines.
Pictured top: Got Your Back Sista team running for her.
Pictured right: (L–R) Craig Wellings, Belinda Smith & Ollie Smith celebrating at the finish line.
