Knox Council is supporting this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign from 25 November to 10 December.
Knox has one of the highest rates of family violence in the eastern metropolitan region, data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows. There were 1939 family incidents reported in Knox in 2021-22.
Family violence is a major health and welfare issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Men, women and children can be victims of family violence, however about 72% of recorded victims are female in Knox.
A series of thought-provoking reels looking at what respect is and actions bystanders can take to prevent violence against women and girls has been produced by Council as part of the campaign. They were developed with and feature young people living in Knox.
The reels look at this year’s campaign theme, Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ (Respect Is), encouraging community members to call out sexism, sexual harassment and disrespect towards women.
The campaign aims to support the community in understanding what respect means, what it looks like and how to put it into practice in our everyday lives. Gender inequality involves devaluing or disrespecting women or women’s contributions. Research has consistently found that these forms of disrespect increase the likelihood of violence against women.
Council recognises the wide-ranging and damaging impact family violence has on the lives of those affected and the community as a whole. We can all play a role in preventing family violence.
Help and support is available if you or someone you know is experiencing family violence. Visit our website: . If you are in immediate danger, call triple-zero.
