Image Gallery 2009
27 November 2009
OpAstute White Ribbon Day at Camp Phoenix
Australian and New Zealand military personnel stationed at Camp Phoenix in East Timor raised a White Ribbon Day flag at the camp gates in recognition of the damage caused by violence against women.
Joining with defence members at other bases at home and overseas, several service personnel also had white ribbons sent from Australia to wear in support of the cause.
The futility of violence carried out against women was highlighted by some of the soldiers wearing white ribbons.
“Violence against women does not accomplish anything,” Australian Army Signaller, Private Gavin Matthews said.
“In fact this sort of behaviour is the weakest way a man can deal with problems they encounter.”
Military Police Officer, Captain Andrew Stewart, said the Australian Defence Force had invested resources in education programs as one means of dealing with problems such as domestic violence.
“All soldiers know that domestic violence is straight out wrong and illegal,” Captain Stewart said.
“Australian Defence Force personnel are given skills to help them and people they know deal with issues that could lead to violence. This includes education relating to issues such as gender equity and compounding factors such as alcohol and stress.”
The White Ribbon has become the symbol used to express support for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.
| 20091125adf8114832_183 (L to R ) Sergeant Damien King, Captain Andrew Stewart and Private Gavin Matthews wear their white ribbon for White Ribbon Day. (Date taken: 25 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091125adf8114832_187 (L to R ) Sergeant Damien King, Captain Andrew Stewart and Private Gavin Matthews wear their white ribbon for White Ribbon Day. (Date taken: 25 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091125adf8114832_192 (L to R ) Sergeant Damien King, Captain Andrew Stewart and Private Gavin Matthews wear their white ribbon for White Ribbon Day. (Date taken: 25 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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