AUSTRALIAN Opals basketballer Rachel Jarry is urging people to speak up about youth violence.
The Point Cook resident was viciously assaulted early last year during a night out with friends near Federation Square.
She reported the assault to police and her attacker was sentenced to three years in youth detention.
Last week, Jarry joined Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh, LeadWest chief executive Anton Mayer, Crime Stoppers chief executive Samantha Hunter, Sunshine police commander Tim O’Connor and Moonee Valley mayor Narelle Sharpe to launch a campaign against youth violence.
‘Say Something’ encourages people to report assaults to police or Crime Stoppers.
Ms Hunter said the campaign aimed to raise awareness of the impact of youth violence on the community.
“Violent crime is a matter for the entire community,” she said. “Whether a violent crime is committed at a nightspot or a train station, [it] can have a lasting effect on the victim, their family and friends.”
Mr McIntosh outlined the government’s support for Crime Stoppers, while Mr Mayer spoke of the changes facing Melbourne’s growing western suburbs.
Campaign funding is provided by western suburbs councils including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay. The campaign comes in the wake of two recent vicious stabbings in Footscray.
A 15-year-old boy was repeatedly stabbed by a gang of up to 20 people in the McDonald’s car park on Ballarat Road on December 29, minutes after a 16-year-old was stabbed in the stomach and wrist outside a Gordon Street home.
To report youth violence, phone local police, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit saysomething.org.au
— Laura Little
