It's OK to say NO

In 2006, a youth worker, a group of women and a filmmaker got together to portray the damaging effects of domestic violence. “Girls on film”, a 22-minute documentary, is the brainchild of Burwood Council’s Youth Worker Agata Furniss and forms part of Council’s successful Date Safe program that looks broadly at relationships issues for young women. The film was made by young women and explores their peers’ as well as professional perspectives on domestic violence, featuring local community members including members of an all-female rock band. The aim of the project was to communicate to women that domestic violence and assault are not acceptable and speaking out against it plays a crucial role in combating the problem. Agata said: “Its important that young women are informed about their rights but also made aware of how widespread domestic violence is in the community, by hearing a range of perspectives, women can be assured that it is OK to stand up for themselves and say ‘no’ to abuse.”