Almost 400 Trinity College students have taken to the streets to stand against domestic and family violence in a student-led initiative aimed at encouraging young men to challenge harmful attitudes and promote respectful relationships.
College prefects Bowie McCabe and Brendan Carrabba spearheaded the Walk Against Domestic Violence, which brought together the school’s year 11 and 12 students for a march around Boorloo and Matagarup bridges near the East Perth college.
Camera IconTrinity College prefects Bowie McCabe and Brendan Carrabba. Credit: Trinity College
The students wore black shirts and white ribbons representing White Ribbon Australia on August 28, with each student contributing $2 to support the organisation’s work to prevent men’s violence against women.
Camera IconThe school’s year 11 and 12 students marched around Boorloo and Matagarup bridges near the East Perth college. Credit: Trinity College
Camera IconThe pre-walk chat. Credit: Trinity College
White Ribbon Australia focuses on preventing men’s violence against women by addressing attitudes, behaviours, gender inequality and social conditions that contribute to violence.
Bowie said the initiative was driven by the desire to turn condemnation of domestic violence into practical action.
“Domestic violence is a significant issue within the community and, more broadly, the world,” he said.
“It is something that affects countless families and countless individuals. It has the power to ruin a life and, in many cases, end one.”
Camera IconTrinity College prefect Bowie McCabe. Credit: Trinity College
He said simply opposing domestic violence was not enough without action.
“It is easy to condemn the issue and label oneself as a defender of women’s rights and in opposition to domestic violence. But this stance means nothing if not manifested through actions,” he said.
“If we continue to think without acting on our thoughts, change is only fantasised, never initiated.”
Bowie said seeing hundreds of young men taking part was a powerful demonstration of their willingness to confront the issue.
“It was truly empowering watching close to 400 boys, all dressed in black with white ribbons, walking in opposition to an issue that has plagued the community for far too long,” he said.
“For me, regardless of how many people we affected — whether it was ensuring just one boy questioned his actions prior to making them, or reassuring just a few women that the future is surely brighter — then we have made an impact and therefore achieved our purpose.”
Camera IconThe walk opened up conversations about domestic violence. Credit: Trinity College
White Ribbon Australia director Claire Hurst said the organisation was grateful to the students and the wider Trinity College community for supporting its work.
“Their fundraising helps us continue our work to prevent men’s violence against women through education, community engagement and initiatives that promote equality and respect,” she said.
“Just as importantly, the walk creates conversations that can extend well beyond the event itself.”
Ms Hurst said schools could help young people develop an understanding of respectful relationships and recognise behaviours that can contribute to violence.
“Schools play an important role in helping young people understand respectful relationships, consent, gender equality and the attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to violence,” she said.
“Age-appropriate conversations give students the knowledge and confidence to recognise harmful behaviour, challenge it safely and contribute to cultures where everyone is treated with respect.”
She said the student-led nature of the walk was significant.
“It shows that young people want to be part of creating change and are prepared to use their voices to support something that affects every community,” Ms Hurst said.
“When students lead these conversations, they can have a powerful influence among their peers and show that preventing violence is a responsibility we all share.”
She said awareness also needed to be accompanied by action.
“Awareness is important, but it must lead to action in our schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, families and communities,” she said.
Bowie said he hopes the march becomes something other schools can take part in.
“Trinity College alone cannot solve the issue; rather, a community of individuals committed to practical action, not just passive condemnation,” he said.
“I am proud of our school for marching in the name of White Ribbon, and I am proud of our school for opposing one of our community’s greatest issues.”
The school has also held workshops with behavioural scientist Dave Kramer exploring modern masculinity, respect and how young men can safely challenge disrespectful behaviour among their peers, as well as conversations with Daniel Principe about respectful relationships, consent and influences shaping young men.