The Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Advisory Committee (GSWCAC) is working to raise awareness of family violence in Greater Shepparton with an art installation to mark the 16 Days of Activism.
The GSWCAC, comprising of community members and representatives of Greater Shepparton City Council, tied a total of 1,623 orange ribbons at the intersection of Sobraon Street and Wyndham Street on Wednesday 24 November. Each of the ribbons account for one of the 1,623 victims who reported incidents of family violence in Greater Shepparton last year.
Mayor, Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said the initiative marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism which runs until Friday 10 December.
“The Advisory Committee chose to hang 1,623 orange ribbons to start the conversation about domestic violence and raise awareness that it is happening every day in our own backyard,” she said.
“We often hear about the tragic fatalities of domestic violence, but the majority of instances happen quietly every day and the victims must live with the trauma for the rest of their lives. It can happen to any of us no matter our gender, cultural background, sexual preference, or economic situation.”
Cr O’Keeffe encouraged the community to visit the intersection during the 16 Days of Activism and see the true impact of the display in person. Alongside each of the ribbons is information about local support agencies who specialise in dealing with family violence. Grey ribbons were also tied along the fence to represent each of the incidents that occurred but were not reported.
“The aim of the art piece is to start the conversation. It took a community to hang the ribbons and it takes a community to tackle family violence,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
