The Radio Rentals ‘Wear-a-Pair’ campaign started in 2016 as part of the company’s way of supporting White Ribbon Day which occurs annually on November 25.

In the 12 months until June 2017 there were 317 recorded incidents of domestic violence related assault in Dubbo, almost double the average number of incidents across NSW.

In October it was announced that a new police squad to be based in Dubbo will hold the perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their actions.

A Domestic Violence High Risk Offender team will focus on stopping perpetrators of domestic and family violence, made up of an experienced sergeant, civilian analyst and three constables.

Dubbo Radio Rentals store manager Bronwyn Smyth said domestic violence is often hidden and therefore it is very hard to understand the real impact in the community.

“Statistics from White Ribbon indicate that domestic violence is very wide spread nationally and far reaching,” Ms Smyth said.

“Every community including Dubbo is touched in some way.”

“It’s important for the team at Radio Rentals in Dubbo to be advocates of White Ribbon because so many people within the local community, including our customers, are touched by domestic violence.”

Ms Smyth said the ‘Wear-a-Pair’ campaign was about active participation, getting staff actively involved in an activity together, and uniting Radio Rentals as a team.

“In short, the Wear-a-Pair campaign is about empathy and taking a stance against domestic violence in our community,” she said.

Ms Smyth said their customers were happy to see them supporting White Ribbon locally as there are many people in the City who have been affected by domestic violence.   

“There are many organisations and support services in the local area that help women facing domestic violence, but it makes us feel good as a team to know that we are part of the solution,” Ms Smyth said.

“We want to send the message that you are not alone.”

Facts on violence against women are alarming and confronting.

One woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of domestic violence and one in four children are exposed to domestic violence.

White Ribbon Day is Saturday, November 25, and remains the world’s largest movement to end men’s violence against women.

It aims to raise awareness and break the silence associated with this pervasive issue.

White Ribbon merchandise is available to purchase at Radio Rentals in Dubbo and customers will be asked to make a gold coin donation in exchange for male employees to wear a pair of high heels, taking a stance against domestic violence.

White Ribbon ambassador and Thorn Group Chief Marketing Officer Darren John Aquilina said seemingly lighthearted, the ‘Wear-a-Pair’ campaign is actually a symbolic gesture to spend a day walking in the shoes of women in the community who may be affected by domestic violence.

“The Radio Rentals ‘Wear-a-Pair’ campaign is about empathy and taking a stance against domestic violence in our community”, he said.

Radio Rentals partnership with White Ribbon Australia stems from community engagement and becoming deeply concerned about the rates of violence against women in Australia.

“Violence against women is an issue that affects many communities we operate within and by empowering store managers to raise awareness of domestic violence, we hope to positively contribute towards change within the community,” Mr Aquilina said.