Gerald Lynch & Zoe Moffat
Hume and Whittlesea councils are holding a range of events as part of 16 Days of Activism.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women kicked off the campaign on November 25, which will run through to International Human Rights Day on December 10.
The 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to end gender-based violence by changing the culture that drives it, focuses on the values of safety, equality and respect as necessary to reduce harm on women and girls.
According to Hume council, the overwhelming majority of last year’s family violence incidents were perpetrated by men against women.
This includes the statistics that one in three Australian women have experienced physical violence and 90 per cent of Australian women with an intellectual disability have experienced sexual abuse.
Hume mayor Naim Kurt said this campaign is an opportunity for everyone to stand up against gender targeted abusive behaviours.
“Regrettably, family violence rates remain high in the Hume municipal area and as mayor, I am dedicated to raising awareness and changing harmful behaviours for those at risk,” he said.
“I will be joining the walk without violence and supporting the many other activities happening during the 16 Days of Activism.
“Ending gender-based violence is a responsibility for all of us as a community to address.”
Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson encouraged everyone to engage in conversations about respect to foster healthy relationships between family members, friends and colleagues and to challenge assumptions that are based on gender.
“The City of Whittlesea is committed to preventing violence against women and to creating a future where all women are safe, equal and respected,” she said.
“Violence against women is preventable, and this 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to change the story.”
A variety of workshops and events have and will be held throughout Hume and Whittlesea to help educate the community about gender equality and family violence prevention.
They include: walks against violence, a film screening, a fatherhood seminar and a webinar to support children of domestic violence.
Details: safeandequal.org.au/16-days-of-activism/
