Indigo Shire Council is joining forces with the Centre Against Violence and a number of local health services to once again support Respect Victoria's 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 and through the partnership, a suite of activities and promotions will be activated.
The theme of this year's state-wide campaign is 'Respect Women, Call it Out' (Respect is…) and through funding received by Safe and Equal, messages of equality and respect will be highlighted across the Shire and through the following community events:
- Chiltern Community BBQ Indigo North Health – supported by the Wodonga Family Violence Unit, Victoria Police, Centre Against Violence, Orange Door - Monday 28 November, 5pm Chiltern Neighbourhood House
- Rutherglen Roadshow – supported by Centre Against Violence (CAV), Orange Door, Hume Riverina Community Legal Service, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), Seniors Rights Service - Tuesday 6 December, 10am, Lions Park
These events will be further supported by an educational and awareness-raising campaign, including Indigo Councillors wearing orange promotional t-shirts at Council's monthly meeting on Tuesday 29 November, the placement of "conversation starter" coasters at supporting venues across the Shire, internal training sessions, displays at all four Indigo Shire libraries and through a community leadership program which will see local sporting organisations and individuals share their ideas about what respect is via promotional posters and social media.
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.
According to Victorian Crime statistics website, family violence incidents in Indigo Shire are up by 20.9% compared to 2021's figures and have doubled in the last five years.
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. We are proud to once again be throwing our support behind the campaign and to be working with our local networks to help spread this important message."
Resources to support anyone experiencing family violence can be found here.
