The Big Banana goes purple to support Domestic Violence awareness Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 25, 2021 (L to R) Ball Against DV organiser Robert Linton, local Police team members Jane Shaw, Greg Hill, Bob White and Jack Watson with Domestic Violence Officer Kiah Bowen and Uniting NSW/ACT representative Cass Wilson bring on the colour at the Big Banana. Photo: David Tune. ON Monday 22 November the Big Banana gained a purple hue to join with Coffs Clarence Police, Ball Against Domestic Violence Street Hustle and other local support groups in promoting community awareness of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). Chief Inspector Brendan Gorman told News Of The Area, “This marks the start of sixteen days of police activity aimed at raising community awareness regarding DFV, everybody in the community needs to be on board to change attitudes and combat this community problem. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “There is no place for DFV in our society.” As well as supporting the Ball Against DV competition taking place on December 18, local police will be involved in education programs, compliance checks and fundraising for local community support programs and non-government organisations. Chief Inspector Gorman also made the point that DFV is often a base issue for other societal problems such as homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse. Registrations for individuals who aren’t yet part of a team but would like to play in the inaugural Ball Against DV competition are now open, more details and links for registration can be found at https://www.3x3hustle.com/event/ball-against-domestic-violence-street-hustle/. As previously reported in News Of The Area, if DFV is occurring now and needs an immediate police response, call 000, if you are experiencing DFV and want advice, support or counselling call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), and if you have suspicions or concerns that friends or neighbours might be suffering from DFV call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to make an anonymous report. By David TUNE