Wagga Wagga City Council is proudly supporting the Wagga Domestic Violence Liaison Committee (DVLC) in calling on the community to say no more silence during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The global campaign calls for action against one of the world's most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.
It starts on Tuesday 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on Wednesday 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
The local campaign is led by the Wagga Domestic Violence Liaison Committee (DVLC) and Council is an active member of this committee. Chaired by the Wagga Wagga Women's Health Centre, the DVLC play a pivotal role in primary prevention and support for victim-survivors of domestic violence.
"Whilst domestic and family violence goes largely unreported, the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research advised that the rate of domestic violence assaults recorded by the NSW Police in Wagga Wagga was 60% higher than the NSW state average, with 507 incidents reported in the 12 months up to March 2025," Acting Director Wagga Wagga Women's Health Centre Julie Milsom said.
Council's role is focused on primary prevention initiatives and will be leading the 'Fly the Flag: For Healthy Relationships' project for the Wagga DVLC during the 16 Day of Activism.
This initiative invites community to come and talk to members of the Wagga DVLC about the 'green flags' in all kinds of relationships at a mobile pop-up lounge that will be moving around the city during the 16 Days of Activism.
"This initiative aims to promote safe and respectful relationships, which is a key priority in Council's Community Safety Action Plan 2022-2026," Council's Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood said.
Council will also temporarily illuminate the Fitzmaurice Street avenue of trees with purple and orange lights and, in collaboration with the local police, will host the popular Community Safety Family Day at the Riverside Precinct.
"Council is committed to continuing to advocate for resources and funding levels that support front-line services and other organisations addressing coercive control, abuse, and violence as outlined in Council's adopted Advocacy Plan," said Alex Osgood.
There is an opportunity for everyone across the community to play an active role and break the silence on gender-based violence.
If you or someone you know is in danger, call 000 immediately.
