Thousands of people marched in streets across the state in support of stopping violence against women on Tuesday, in what was the biggest turnout for White Ribbon Day ever seen.
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White Ribbon Australia described the occasion as the "biggest social media message in history to put a stop to violence against women" supported by organisations from small community groups to the NSW Police Force, armed forces, local councils and the Ambulance Service of NSW.
Roads were blocked in Sydney's eastern suburbs as huge crowds turned out for the White Ribbon Walk from Randwick to Coogee, organised by the NSW Police Force.
Royal Australian Navy personnel walked from their headquarters in Potts Point to Mrs Macquarie's Chair in support of the campaign. A White Ribbon Day march in Lakemba was led by players from the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs which has just become the first professional sporting team in Australia to sign White Ribbon as their major community partner.
White Ribbon Australia addresses family violence by involving men in the effort to stop male aggression towards women.
White Ribbon Australia chief executive Libby Davies said the Bulldogs were chosen as ambassadors due to their influence in an area with a high rate of domestic incidents.
"This is a very strategic partnership for us because we know that the Bulldogs are the heart and soul of a very proud area. When their players talk, people listen and it is important for White Ribbon to have a partner with such a strong influence, particularly over men," she said.
"With rates of domestic violence in Bankstown well above the state average and still growing, we need to inspire significant behavioural change and we're looking forward to working with the Bulldogs to make this happen."
