SOMETIMES its takes  the most horrific of tragedies for a nation to stop and wake up.

For Rosie Batty, she will live her tragedy every single day. Waking up without her son, taken too soon by the hands of his violent father. 

But for Ms Batty, her son’s legacy will be the driving force behind what is now an unstoppable campaign to end the scourge of violence across this country, to change the behaviours that feed fear and to raise a new generation empowered to make a difference.

The life of her son, the lives of the 77 women killed as a result of domestic violence this year alone, must mean something. 

The change belongs to each and every one of us. The change starts at home. The change starts today.

On Sunday at the White Ribbon Coastal Walk, we took the first small steps together. Now, it’s time to run faster than ever toward a future where violence has no place in our community. It’s up to you.

On White Ribbon Day, Hastings residents joined more than 180,000 people across the country who made a pledge to help end the cycle of violence against women and children.

The White Ribbon Oath is more than just a statement of support for the White Ribbon cause.

When you swear the Oath you make a commitment to lead by example, to be a role model and to intervene safely when needed.

- being aware of how your behaviour influences others

- raising awareness in your friends and colleagues using information from our Resources page, and

- challenging sexist and violent behaviour by speaking up about it, urging the perpetrator to seek professional help or contacting the police or, in an emergency, 000.