ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt's Chief of Staff, Natasha Harradine is a Community, Respect and Equality (CRE) Community Champion.

The CRE project is a family violence prevention initiative managed by local family service organisation Desert Blue Connect. It forms part of the CRE Strategic Action Plan for the Prevention of Family Violence in Geraldton.

Community Champions are local leaders who promote messages about family violence in Geraldton by being visible, approachable and attending awareness events and activities.

Natasha’s message as a Community Champion is “don’t be afraid to speak out”.

As a journalist Natasha has covered a number of family violence cases and was shocked by how often people who experienced violence are asked what they did to make the other person so angry. “There is no excuse for using violence,” Ms Harradine said.

She aims to provide information through regular interviews throughout December to help raise awareness around family violence, encourage people to speak out and seek support, and let the community know that family violence is preventable.

“Violence is never ok, and people who are experiencing family violence need to know that it is not their fault,” she said.

“There are support services in Geraldton that will work with you to help you find a way to safety.”

Ms Harradine said we all have a role to play in preventing family violence.

“Use of language in the media and everyday conversations is an important tool in the prevention of family violence over the long term,” she said. “If we are more aware of the language that we use, and the language that is used around us, we can challenge the normalisation of violence in a very simple and safe way.”

If you or someone you know is affected by family violence, local support services are available through Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge on 9964 2173.

Information and counselling is also available over the phone from 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or online at www.1800respect.org.au

For more information about the CRE Project and Community Champions, contact Margie Robinson at Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or visit the CRE website www.communityrespectandequality.com.au.