WYNDHAM City mayor Shane Bourke has told of his traumatic childhood under the clutches of a violent father.

Cr Bourke said his father was a borderline alcoholic who physically and psychologically abused his wife and three children.

He spoke about his painful past for the first time at a council White Ribbon breakfast last Friday.

“Growing up at times I saw my dad hit my mum … and there was nothing I could do,” he said.

Cr Bourke said he was a placid person, which made the situation more difficult to bear.

“I was punched in the nose, it was never just a smack,” he said.

He described his father as a small but imposing figure who lashed out at his family behind closed doors in their Hadfield home.

It was a childhood he vowed never to repeat with his own family. Following his father’s death about 34 years ago he asked his mother why she stood by him.

Cr Bourke said the reply was one facing many woman back then - she was bringing up three children with no where else to turn. He said the scars would stay with him forever.

“It something that you carry but I deal with it,” Cr Bourke said. White Ribbon Day will take place tomorrow to help eliminate violence against women.

For more information on family violence contact the council’s health development officer on 9742 8127.