Council support for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Published on 25 November 2021

Indigo Shire is once again proud to support Respect Victoria to deliver its Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign. The campaign is part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Respect Women, Call it Out’ (Respect is…) and messages of equality and respect will be highlighted across the state.

Indigo Shire Council Mayor, Bernard Gaffney says that while Council actively promotes gender equality every day of the year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on such an important social issue.

“In Australia, on average, 1 woman is murdered by a current or former partner each week, and 1 in 2 women has experienced sexual harassment. This is an unacceptable figure.” Councillor Gaffney says.

Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency in September 2021 shows that Victoria is facing its highest reported rates of family violence in history, with a 11.3% increase in family violence related offences in the year ending 31 March 2021.

Councillor Gaffney says, “Through the 16 Days of Activism campaign, we have an opportunity to support our communities to understand what gender equality looks like and how striving for equality can prevent violence against women.”

Indigo Shire is running a number of programs/initiatives to support the campaign, funded by Respect Victoria, including running promotional and educational programs over the 16 days in the four Shire libraries and sharing campaign material with local businesses and organisations across the Shire.

“We are working closely with our networks such as women’s health services, family violence networks and local businesses to help spread this important message and prevent gender-based and family violence.”

All 79 Victorian councils as well as 18 specialist non-government organisations are involved in the state-wide Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign. The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) and Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) are also partnering with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to provide their expertise.

For more information, visit the Respect Victoria website.   

If you are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing violence, help is available.

You can access help 24/7 by calling Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or by visiting safesteps.org.au.

If you are worried your behaviour might be harming your partner or family members, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to speak to a specialist counsellor.