Each year he helps organise community events highlighting the need to stop violence towards women.

He knows by handing out white ribbons and asking men to sign a petition refusing to condone violence towards women, he makes a difference.

However, violence towards women, which can take many forms - not just physical damage - is not just one person’s problem, it’s a community problem.

He thinks now is the time for a new approach and he wants more help from the community.

“What I want is for men in formal or informal groups to take leadership roles,” he said.

The new approach will see a man from a group be prepared to take charge, hand out ribbons and lead his group in reading the White Ribbon oath.

“All it would take is five minutes,” he said.

Five minutes is not much to ask, considering the statistics.

In Australia 50 to 60 women are killed each year in domestic related deaths and each week in the Shoalhaven 50 to 60 apprehended violence orders are issued.

The issue of domestic violence was tabled at a recent Shoalhaven Local Area Command Community Precinct Committee meeting.

Already this year 5128 calls for assistance were made with 621 of these domestic violence related.

Thirty-seven per cent of all assaults were domestic violence related.

Nowra is the biggest problem area, followed by Huskisson and Sanctuary Point.

Duncan hopes with the community’s help those statistics can be reduced.

White Ribbon Day is traditionally held in November but there is no reason why the community campaign can’t start as soon as possible.

At the end of the day everyone can play a role.

If you hear someone say ‘yeah she deserved a slap’ then Duncan suggests you challenge them by saying ‘there are always other solutions rather than violence’.

He does not want to make himself out to be a saint or make judgements against others.

All he wants to do is help and educate people.

Previous White Ribbon Day events have brought Duncan into contact with people who have been violent towards women.

One man seemed to boast when he said ‘yeah I have slapped a few women around’.

The man was asked if he would be happy to take a white ribbon and sign a petition, but he declined.

Duncan let him go.

He said there are wins and losses.

“I am about promoting forgiveness. If one person really wants to stop and does stop being violent towards women then it’s all worthwhile,” he said.

One of the most successful parts of the local ribbon campaign has been Duncan’s school visits.

He visits various high schools and conducts a White Ribbon ceremony.

Young men take white ribbons and pledge not to be violent towards women.

“It definitely gets [young men] talking about the issue,” he said.

It’s another step towards change, he said.

If you can help by becoming an ambassador for your group, setting up a bank account, looking after a Shoalhaven White Ribbon Facebook page or helping to develop other social media then email damian.mcgill@fairfaxmedia.com.au

I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. This is my oath.