Saturday (Nov 25) marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
All women deserve to be safe, equal and respected. But according to Respect Victoria, on average a woman in Australia is killed by a man they know every 10 days.
Over fifty women have been killed in Australia because of gender-based violence so far this year.
“In 2022 there were 1,476 cases of family violence against women and 577 against men in the Yarra Ranges alone,” said Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov.
“These are just the reported cases, and we know that gender-based violence is heavily under-reported.”
“Research tells us that the best defence against family violence is gender equality.”
“We are all affected by unfair assumptions and stereotypes based on gender. These attitudes not only contribute to violence against women and gender diverse people but also have adverse effects on the health and well-being of men and boys.”
“This 16 Days of Activism and beyond, Yarra Ranges is committed to working towards a future where we are all safe, equal, and respected.”
“Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, Council will fly our 16 Days of Activism flag, and on Friday we were proud to take part in the 15th annual Walk Against Family Violence in the city.”
Community members are invited to come along to an Intergenerational Story Time: Beyond Sparkles and Superheroes. These events are co-hosted by Your Library and will be held at:
Yarra Junction Library | November 27, 2023 | 10am and 11am
Mooroolbark Library | November 27, 2023 | 10am
Healesville Library | November 29, 2023 | 10.30am
Yarra Ranges Council is a member of the Yarra Ranges Preventing Violence Against Women (PVAW) Network. Along with Inspiro, Eastern Health, Women’s Health East, Department of Education, and FVREE, Council is running 16 Days of Activism workshops to support respectful relationships at four local primary schools.
Internally we have established a Family Violence Contact Officer program and continue to develop Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs) across the organisation, to ensure that our policies, programs, and services will meet the different needs of women, men and gender diverse people and create better and fairer outcomes for our community.
Over the 16 days we have organised a series of events for staff, including professional development opportunities and resources to support continual learning.
Our second series of the Men as Caregivers’ posters will be on display throughout the 16 Days of Activism in the Lilydale Civic Centre. The posters, featuring local families, are a celebration of men in caregiving roles, demonstrating to children that they can do and be anything, breaking down gender stereotypes.
Yarra Ranges Council recognises that gender equality is a human right and has significant social, economic and health benefits, including the prevention of family violence and all forms of violence against women and girls.
Support the campaign and find a community event near you: 16 Days Safe and Equal community calendar.
Support services
If you or someone you know are experiencing family violence support is available through the following services:
If you are in danger, call 000
The Orange Door, 1800 271 150
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service, 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)
Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491
Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault, 9870 7330
Women’s Information Referral Exchange, 1300 134 130
In Touch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence, 1800 755 988
Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service, 9212 0200
