Victoria Police leaders and employees will today walk alongside thousands of community members in a united effort to reduce and combat violence against women.
The Walk Against Family Violence, held annually on 25 November, marks the start of the internationally-recognised 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
The day also coincides with the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter said Victoria Police was proud to join organisations and communities across the globe in bringing much-needed awareness to gender-based violence and challenge the attitudes that support it.
"Victoria Police looks forward to supporting the 16 Days of Activism by participating in a number of events across the state to inspire action to end violence against women around the world," AC McWhirter said.
"Our participation in today's walk and a number of events across the 16 days highlights our commitment to calling out these crimes, both in our roles as police officers, but also as members of the community.
"Police remain committed to eliminating family violence in all its forms in Victoria.
"More than 19,000 Victorian women reported being victims of assault or sexual offending last year, and of those, 75 per cent were offended against by someone who they knew.
"This statistic highlights the prominence of violence against women, an often-hidden crime, within the broader family context.
"These crimes still remain one of the most underreported in our state.
"Today's walk is important in raising awareness that these crimes are simply not acceptable. Events like this give us an opportunity to show support for and stand with many people who may be suffering in silence.
"On average, our officers are responding to family violence incidents every six minutes, often impacted from seeing first-hand the harms these crimes can have on women and children.
"November represents an important opportunity for us to highlight the ripple effects these crimes can have on the entire community.
"Earlier this month, Victoria Police hosted the second Australia and New Zealand Police Family and Domestic Violence Forum.
"The forum brought together police from across the two countries to share insight and best practice on ways we can better protect victims and investigate perpetrators."
A police car, firetruck and an ambulance vehicle wrapped in the colour orange will also be revealed at today's event. The colour orange denotes a brighter future, free from violence.
The vehicles will lead the walk from noon at Federation Square and will be used throughout the 16 days to raise further awareness for those impacted by family and gender-based violence.
The 16 Days of Activism concludes on December 10, which is Human Rights Day.
