Orange City Council is getting behind an international campaign to tackle gender-based violence by holding events during November to shine a spotlight on the issue in Orange.
’16 days of Activism against gender-based violence’ is an annual international campaign held from 25 November 2023, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The campaign will run until 10 December 2023, World Human Rights Day.
The international campaign utilizes the color orange to represent a brighter future, free from gender-based violence. Orange residents are encouraged to wear the color as part of the campaign.
During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end gender-based violence for good.
Orange City Council Deputy Mayor, Gerald Power, said he was hoping the 16′ day campaign would boost awareness of a major local problem.
“The Central West has among the highest rates of abuse statewide. In Orange, police responded to more than 300 incidents between July 2021 and June 2022, this is almost one incident every day. This equated to about 7.8 incidents per 1000 people, well over double the NSW average. And this is only the reported number,” Cr Power said.
Councillor David Mallard said he was pleased to put support for the campaign on the agenda of Orange City Council earlier this year.
“Unfortunately, violence against women and LGBTQIA+ people because of their orientation or gender identity continues to occur at an alarming scale. It’s disturbing that trans women and gender diverse people experience sexual violence at twice the rate of the general population,” Cr David Mallard said.
16 days of Activism against gender-based violence working group member Cr Mel McDonell said it was time to act as a community.
“Across Australia, women are dying by violence on average every ten days, and they’re being killed by someone they know. It doesn’t have to be this way, and I’m pleased a local campaign can contribute to turning around attitudes that can lead to violence.”
During the 16 Days campaign, a series of events will be held across Orange.
A launch event will be held in the South Court of the Civic Centre on Friday, 24 November, from 6.30 pm, with the presence of Dr. Hannah Tonkin, the inaugural Women’s Safety Commissioner for New South Wales. A standing vigil, in remembrance of people who have died or are suffering from gender-based violence, will be held. Each person affected by gender-biased violence will be represented by a pair of empty shoes. Members of the public are invited to bring a pair of shoes in support of the vigil.
“I invite everyone to join us during these events that Orange City Council is proudly supporting. It is a way for people to show their support,” Cr Power said.
At 10 am on Friday, 1 December, Robertson Park will be turned orange, as people from across the community join together in a dance-off to the Nutbush. Everyone is invited to come along wearing at least one piece of orange clothing in support of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The main event will be a communal rendition of the Nutbush dance. Schools will join in, dancing the Nutbush in assemblies across the region.
A business information session will be held on Thursday, 7 December, in the Gallery theatrette from 5.30 pm for a 6 pm start. Representatives from different service providers will be on the panel. Businesses are invited to come along to learn how to Recognise, Respond, and Refer. Inspired by resources created for hairdressers (who often provide a safe ear for victims), the service providers of Orange will share resources, ideas, and strategies to help businesses support their staff, customers, and clients. Come along to find out from the service providers themselves as to what is available and how you can take action to support victims of gender-based violence.
“Everyone can get involved, from posting on social media to participating in community events. The first thing to do is to recognize the violence, and to respond,” Cr McDonnell said.
“Gender-based violence can take place in many different ways, not only physical or sexual violence but also verbal violence, psychological violence, or socio-economic violence, and sometimes it can all happen together at the same setting.”
Resources are available locally through service providers such as The Orchid at Suite 8, Level 2, 113 Byng Street in Orange or the NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 656 463) and NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (1800 424 017) also offer 24/7 phone lines and support services.
The 1800Respect website provides useful resources such as:
- Escape Bag Checklist: By using this checklist, people can create a list of things that they may want to take with them if they are planning on leaving a relationship:
https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/escape-bag-checklist/create
- Violence and the law: Find links to information, resources, and support in each State and Territory: https://www.1800respect.org.au/violence-and-law
- Safety apps for mobile phones: Here is a list of apps that may help increase your safety when using devices like mobile phones, iPads, and tablets:
- Orchid Online Referral Form here
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