This year’s 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign has been launched by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk at Western Australia’s new museum, Boola Bardip.
The 2020 campaign theme is ‘Respect starts with you’, in support of equality, respectful relationships, violence-free spaces and safer communities. All of these are key to stopping violence against women.
Minister McGurk was joined by more than 100 business, community and government leaders for the launch, which marks the beginning of 16 days of actions and events – many of which are being led by the Western Australian community.
Now in its fourth year, the campaign has a specific focus on young people, acknowledging that generational change is crucial if we are to achieve long-term success and stop gender-based violence in our communities for good.
Alarmingly, one in five Western Australian women report experiencing partner violence since the age of 15.
Young people can lead the way in shaping positive attitudes at an early stage and breaking the cycle of family and domestic violence by insisting on healthy and respectful relationships.
The campaign also encourages community awareness and understanding, to challenge and stamp out views that allow victim blaming to occur and can prevent survivors from seeking help and support.
16 Days in WA runs from today (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The campaign takes its inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Significant landmarks across the State – including Matagarup Bridge, Optus Stadium, Graham Farmer Freeway Tunnel, East Perth Power Station and the museum’s whale skeleton – will again be lit in the campaign’s theme colour of orange in a show of support for an end to violence against women, children and their families. Individuals, businesses and community groups are encouraged to take part and do their bit to help end violence against women.
Further information on the 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women and a campaign kit, which includes a list of 16 ways to take action, is available online.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
“No matter what is going on in the world, violence against women is never okay.
“We all have a responsibility to help stop the violence in our communities – whether that involves speaking out against victim-blaming, developing workplace policies to support survivors, modelling respectful relationships for others or supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign by wearing orange.
“As Western Australia’s first dedicated Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, I am proud to have led this campaign over the last four years and delivered record additional investment in measures to respond to the high rates of family and domestic violence in this State.
“The campaign theme of ‘Respect starts with you’ is about promoting equality and respectful relationships, which are key to breaking the cycle of family and domestic violence.
“I encourage every Western Australian – individuals, businesses and community groups – to be part of 16 days in WA and do their bit to help end violence against women.
“Together, we can create a future where we are all able to live free from violence.”
