Terry Sarten: That we need refuges for battered women is a disgrace

ONE VERSION: The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli.

MOST people, when they think of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, conjure up the famous Botticelli painting of Venus standing demurely in a clam shell.

In this image she is portrayed as vulnerable, requiring protection from a bunch of angelic bodyguards. But this is only one version of her and does not convey all the other aspects of her mythical persona.

Venus' story has evolved from ancient times and continues to be a reminder we should not trivialise the power that love brings into our lives via Venus' role as a catalyst of cherishing, compassionate, consensual love. This idea is as relevant now as it ever was.

Venus also celebrates the power and beauty of music. On Saturday night, this took the form of Venus Unplugged with an array of wonderful performers taking the Opera House stage to support the work of the Whanganui Women's Centre.

The Venus Unplugged show featured local musicians Elise and Lizzie, Charlotte Melser, Hauaauru, Emma Gatsby, Vs the World, Chocolate Box (from Wellington) Juliet McLean and The Navigators from Taranaki and loop-meister Richie Isaacs.

There was folk, jazz, funk, soul and everything in between. All the performers donated their time and talent to this fun-raiser of a fundraiser.

From its welcoming premises on St Hill Street, the wonderful women who run the Women's Centre perform various miracles, providing support, advocacy and advice to all those who come in.

The centre supports women and children who are rebuilding their lives because of domestic violence. This should not be necessary.

One of the key prevention tactics is for men to challenge those they know who do use violence, intimidation and controlling behaviours and ensure they get the message that this is not okay. The power of peers to influence those around them can be stronger than violence.

Men, as brothers, sons, fathers, grandfathers and workmates all have a role in creating change. The White Ribbon March on November 24 is one way to show solidarity with the kaupapa of working together to end violence to women and children.

But the task is bigger than that. It requires the day-to-day modelling of respect for women and creating a community where there is no need for agencies such as the Women's Centre and Women's Refuge to provide support - because violence has been prevented.

I am writing as both a supporter of the Women's Centre and being actively involved in the local White Ribbon campaign. One has supporting women as its focus, the other focuses on men. Both are about social justice. Both require support if we are to create a safer world.

-Terry Sarten (aka Tel) is a writer, musician and social worker. Feedback: tgs@inspire.net.nz