Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Women and girls deserve to live free from violence, feeling safe, valued and respected.
This day is an important reminder that women and girls continue to face unacceptable levels of violence, with one in three women having experienced physical violence and one in four women having experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. It is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on these realities and recommit to change.
The ACT Government stands with victim-survivors and proudly supports this annual global campaign, which encourages conversation, raises awareness, and inspires meaningful action to end violence against women and girls.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, acknowledges the significant work that lies ahead.
"This is an opportunity to reaffirm the ACT Government's commitment to building a safer community and improving system responses for people experiencing violence right now."
"The ACT Government remains dedicated to addressing domestic, family and sexual violence by ensuring victim-survivors can access the support they need, and by holding people who use violence accountable while providing them with pathways to change their behaviour," Minister Paterson said.
"I encourage all Canberrans to get involved in this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. There are many informative events taking place across the ACT, along with a wide range of helpful online resources. Through education, advocacy and everyday conversations, everyone can contribute to ending domestic, family and sexual violence in our community," Minister Paterson said.
Work to address gender-based violence continues through:
- Developing a 10-year, evidence-based ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy, which will guide ambitious reforms and support Canberrans to feel safe in their relationships and in the community.
- Providing more integrated service responses, including the preparation of the Domestic and Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme, updates to the Risk Assessment and Management Framework, and delivery of associated training.
- Delivering behaviour-change programs for people who use domestic, family and sexual violence.
- Rolling out critical community education initiatives that have increased community awareness of coercive control in the ACT from 57% to 67%, in preparation for future legislative reform.
Some key events happening in the ACT as part of the 16 Days of Activism include:
- Djirra's Annual 16 Days of ACTIVEism Walk in Canberra
- Our Lives: Women in the ACT Panel
- DVCS Panel Event: Older Women & Domestic and Family Violence
- Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast Ringing of the Peace Bell 2025
- 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Illumination
Get Help Now
If you're experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence there are specialist services that can help: https://www.act.gov.au/community/domestic-family-and-sexual-violence/get-help-now.
