Supporting 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign

Published on 20 November 2020

Macedon Ranges Shire 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. 

Interim Executive Manager People, Culture and Performance, Sarah Noel said this is 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 and Instagram pages, engage in active conversations with their friends and loved ones, and share our 16 Days posts within their own social media networks.” 

Council received $2,500 from Respect Victoria to run initiatives and increase the community's understanding of respect during the 16 days and beyond. 

Statistics show that one in four women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of fifteen (compared to one in thirteen men). Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership will be hosting a Family Violence vigil and ‘Break the Chain’ dance at 1.45pm on Wednesday 25 November. This event will take place on the grasslands of the Kyneton Mechanics Institute to launch the 16 Days of Activism campaign. 

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. 

For more information, visit Prevention of violence against women and the Respect Victoria.  

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.