THE Swan family and domestic violence network hosted its 11th annual Midland March That Matters last Thursday with its theme being a call to action for ending violence against women.

The event was held at Midland’s Juniper Gardens which was decorated with rows of t-shirts that had messages against domestic violence painted on them.

Along with the t-shirt display, the Indigo Junction women’s group Maali Deadly Yorgas led a community art project painting a canvas to symbolise collective healing and solidarity.

After Noongar Elder Dianne Ryder gave a Welcome to Country, Midland March That Matters committee member Matt Vapor was the first speaker to talk about his experience with domestic violence.

Mr Vapor invited the attendants to close their eyes as he guided them through his childhood encounter with domestic violence.

“I want you to picture a young boy (who’s) 10 years old,” he said.

“A parent has just tried to take his life.

“I want you to think about how he’d feel (and) what the rest of his time would be like in that household.

“Now I want you to think of that boy in adulthood.

“What they would look like (and) how that household had impacted them.

“I was that boy (and) it was one of the most horrific times of my life and one of the scariest things that I ever had to do was emerge from my hiding place.

“At the age of 42 now I still have nightmares about the stuff that I went through in childhood.

“Even this morning when my wife touched me to wake up, I screamed out, ‘No’.”

Mr Vapor asked the audience if they thought he was weak for sharing that with them, and the Midland crowd called out in support of his story.

“Strength comes from vulnerability,” Mr Vapor said.

“The problem that we face is that hiding from our problems, hiding from the stuff that we’ve been through, hiding from our emotions, masking them with violence, that’s what causes a lot of this — that is frigging weak.

“Strength really comes from admitting your issues, acknowledging your past, acknowledging what you’ve been through and being able to talk about it, being able to be vulnerable enough to move on from it in a healthy way, being able to share it with those that are closest to you.

“After all, real men would do anything for their family, right?”

After the introductory speeches, the crowds gathered their placards and mustered to begin their 11th march and set off with the WA Police band leading the procession while playing bagpipes and drums.

The march circled back to Juniper Gardens where the rest of the speeches were presented and Midland’s Moorditj Maaman group performed a collection of lullabies written by Indigenous men aimed at showcasing the nurturing side of masculinity.

Swan family and domestic violence network chairperson Kristy Darnborough said the march provided a message of solidarity and hope for those affected by family and domestic violence.

“It is inspiring to see the community come together each year to stand with survivors,” she said.

“Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to put a stop to violence against women.

“There is no excuse for abuse — everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their relationships and families.”