UNIDftEoVAW | CAMPAIGN | 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence | Saturday 25 November-Sunday 10 December 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

A global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence. The campaign commences on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (also known as White Ribbon Day), and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

These dates were chosen to emphasise that gender-based violence is a violation of human rights.

Family violence can happen to anyone; it can take many forms and it knows no socio-economic or cultural boundaries. Although it happens overwhelmingly to women and children, it is also a significant issue for young adults and our elders.

Intimate partner violence is the biggest contributor to ill health and premature death of Victorian women aged 15 to 44. In 2015–16, there was a 12 per cent increase in family violence incidents in Glen Eira — one of the largest increases among Local Government areas in the Southern Melbourne Region.

City of Glen Eira says no to family violence. Council has a vision to create a safe, healthy and inclusive community that is free from violence. Council is committed to working on preventing family violence as an employer and as a community leader.

There are many ways to be involved, here are some that came to view:
ILLUMINATING | Statewide: landmarks will be lit up orange — the colour designated to the Victoria Against Violence campaign — every night of the 16 day period, including Glen Eira Town Hall.

WHITE RIBBONS | City of Glen Eira: will display large white ribbon banners at Town Hall to support the White Ribbon campaign — a national campaign that is led by men who stand up, speak out and act to influence and change attitudes and behaviours of men who commit violence against women.

SCREENING | Call Me Dad | Thursday 29 November 2017 | 7.30-9.30pm
Community members are invited to a free public screening of Call Me Dad, a local documentary about men who have perpetrated, or are at risk of perpetrating, family violence. Includes a Q&A session with a panel of family violence prevention experts.
Where: Theatrette, Glen Eira Town Hall
Cost: Free
Bookings: RSVP, visit https://www.trybooking.com/324584 or contact Council’s Service Centre on 9524 3333.

OUT-REACH | Coffee cup campaign
Council has partnered with Women’s Health in the South East, neighbouring local governments and the Frankston Mornington Family Violence Network to implement a coffee cup campaign. Supporting the campaign involves local cafes handing out 20,000 coffee cups with pictures drawn by Victorian school children that challenge gender stereotypes.
For further information, visit www.whise.org.au/16days

SUPPORT AVAILABLE
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, contact 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 for advice or support. In an emergency, contact Triple Zero.

MORE:
United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November
Website: http://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/