General News
28 November, 2023
Shire launches 16 Days of Activism campaign
CORANGAMITE Shire residents have been called to work together to prevent violence against women. Corangamite Shire Council has raised an orange flag in support of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. A flag raising...
CORANGAMITE Shire residents have been called to work together to prevent violence against women.
Corangamite Shire Council has raised an orange flag in support of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
A flag raising ceremony was held on Monday outside the Camperdown Courthouse, according to mayor Ruth Gstrein.
“Each year the 16 days run from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until Human Rights Day on December 10,” she said.
“It is a time to remind everyone in the community that we can all work together year-round to change the story about violence against women.
“Statistics show almost one in four women have experienced intimate partner violence so we all know more than one person who has been affected.
“It affects everyone in our community, not only women. Family violence has significant consequences for children and young people.
“Even if they don’t see or experience abuse, they’re still impacted by seeing things like injuries to a parent or damage to property. “
Cr Gstrein said family violence can impair children’s physical, emotional and brain development, their sense of security in relationships, mental health, and can have long-term consequences for friendships and relationships.
“It is a myth to believe that if babies or children don’t see or experience abuse they are not affected,” she said.
“They are always impacted by the harm being caused to their parent whether it is by coercive control, physical, emotional, financial, spiritual or sexual abuse. they’re still impacted by seeing things like injuries to a parent or damage to property.
“Family violence is increasing in Victoria’s communities and 30 per cent of family violence incidents attended by the police involve children. Corangamite Shire is committed to working with local and statewide services to reduce family violence and it’s impacts through community awareness strategies and staff training.”
Cr Laurie Hickey said while many people experienced violence, 95 per cent of perpetrators were men.
“Women mostly experience violence at the hands of men and people who are known to them, while men mostly experience violence from other men, and those they don’t know,” he said.
“Research tells us that sexism and disrespect towards women contribute to a culture that allows, justifies, or even promotes violence towards women.
“Challenging disrespect towards women is everyone's responsibility.
“By calling out disrespect, sexism and other forms of discrimination early, we can help prevent violence against women and take steps towards a future where we are all safe, equal and respected.”
For more information go to safeandequal.org.au or respectvictoria.vic.gov.au.
If you need help you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.