To combat violence against women, a campaign led by Christian ministry, City Women of Toowoomba, seeks to create a city free from porn. The initiative is also being backed by the city's mayor Paul Antonio.
Speaking to Huffington Post, City Women Chief Executive Letitia Shelton admitted that an actual porn-free city "sounds very ambitious and unlikely," but went on to add her belief that curbing its negative influence is achievable.
"Look at the anti-smoking campaign, there has been a huge reduction in smoking," Shelton said. "You'll never stop it, but you can show people the impacts it has on your life. Eighty-eight percent of porn displays violence against women, such as choking or gagging."
"We're hearing more stories from women porn-addicted partners, where there has been a direct result of abuse from that," she added.
A gathering to launch the campaign was held last Tuesday at a public park. Around 250 people turned up, and several speakers shared their experiences about how viewing porn had negatively impacted their lives. Pledge cards that read 'A City Free from Porn' were passed around and participants were invited to read an oath that went: "I acknowledge that viewing pornography promotes the exploitation of women and violence against women, and it damages families. I commit that I won't view porn and I will help create a city free from porn."
Mayor Antonio also addressed the gathering, and admitted that he would probably hear negative comments about this endeavor. However, he added, "We must begin a journey with one step. I think what we've focused on today is the real value of proper relationships. Pornography has no place in that."
According to ABC News, John Minz, the Chairman of Toowoomba Together, a local organisation that raises awareness about domestic violence issue, branded pornography that results in domestic violence as a "social cancer."
"Most quality research points to stereotypical gender-specific belief systems that reinforce a dominance and power over a female member of a relationship. Politicians and police are doing what they can in relation to drugs and alcohol, but who is taking responsibility in relation to pornography? The answer is no one," he stated.
