A social media campaign has been launched to help combat family violence in the Indian community in the lead-up to its Diwali festival.
Jagriti – a network of agencies, services and individuals with the goal of providing culturally appropriate responses to family violence – is encouraging people to update their Facebook status with “This Diwali, we say NO to family violence”.
Jagriti chairwoman Marsha Thomson said the Indian community had been “very forthright” in trying to address family violence.
“This campaign is an opportunity to spread the message,” the Footscray state MP said.
“We ask everybody to change their Facebook profile picture and banner to a Jagriti image [that features the message].”
Jagriti founder and Tarneit resident Jasvinder Sidhu said Diwali was the brightest festival celebrated in India and other South Asian countries.
“There is a strong emphasis on family values during this period with days dedicated to honouring the relationship between the husband and wife,” he said.
“This year the Indian community is taking the lead in an important social cause to increase awareness of family violence by taking the pledge.”
Further details: www.facebook.com/Jagritiasocialawakening
