Hume City Council is reflecting on two weeks of action by members of the Hume community for the 16 Days of Activism campaign to end violence against women.
Held around the world every year from 25 November to 10 December, the campaign is used to educate on how we all must play a part in preventing and responding to violence against women.
The way people experience violence is gendered, while 95% of all victims of violence, both women and men, experience violence from a male perpetrator.
In Hume, women report experiencing stalking, harassment and threatening behaviours at nearly double the rate of the Victorian average.
This year, to get people involved in the 16 Days of Activism, including walks, arts and wellbeing workshops, and escape bags placed in our libraries.
One highlight was the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence community event, attended by members of the public, stall holders and an expert panel of speakers.
Disability and Family Violence Lived Experience Advocate Tess Karambelas spoke of the crossover between disability and gendered violence, with half of women with a disability reporting experiencing family violence.
Hume Local and Family Violence and Lived Experience Advocate Suad Rejk highlighted her experience with women in relationships that are living scared, and recognising that not all women know they can leave.
Former Professional AFL Player and Social Justice Advocate Ben Brown rounded out the panel, emphasising the vital role men play in challenging harmful norms and fostering respect and equality. He stressed that this starts with truly listening to the experiences of girls and women.
Discussions at the event revealed the impact gendered violence has on our community, and Hume City Council remains committed to bringing these conversations into the light.
Learn more about for women and families.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or using violence, .
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 000 and ask for the police.
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Jarrod Bell:
“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is a time where we can continue to improve attitudes and awareness towards this issue, expand our efforts to prevent family violence, and improve our services for victim-survivors – all of which have been happening in our community.
“Unfortunately, the rate of family violence in Hume remains far too high and it is all of our responsibility to do the work to eliminate Gender and Family Violence.”
