Horsham Rural City Council is proud to support Respect Victoria to deliver its 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.
Director Communities and Place Kevin O'Brien said this was a time to actively promote gender equality and take a stand to end men's violence against women.
"We will be running a social media campaign to reflect on this year's theme: 'Respect is . . .' Residents are encouraged to follow our Facebook, engage in active conversations with their friends and loved ones, and share our 16 Days posts within their own social media networks," Mr O'Brien said.
Meanwhile Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence will publish a short video to replace its customary street march, which has in recent years seen hundreds of residents take part.
"This year we asked people to contribute a photo of themselves holding a light, or a five to 10-second video saying they stand up against domestic violence," Committee vice-chair Shane Podolski said.
"The video will be launched on the committee's Facebook page this Friday," he said.
Statistics show that one in four women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15 (compared to one in 13 men).
All 79 Victorian councils as well as 18 specialist non-government organisations are involved in the state-wide Respect Women: 'Call It Out' campaign. The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) and Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) are also partnering with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to provide their expertise.
Council received $2,500 from Respect Victoria to run initiatives and increase the community's understanding of respect during the 16 days and beyond.
If you are experiencing or at risk of experiencing violence, help is available. You can access help 24/7 by calling Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or by visiting safesteps.org.au
If you are worried your behaviour might be harming your partner or family members, call the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to speak to a specialist counsellor.
