Council support for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Published on 24 November 2020

Indigo Shire is once again 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.

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Respect Is…’ and messages of equality and respect will be highlighted across the state.

Indigo Shire Council CEO, Trevor Ierino, said this is a time to actively promote gender equality and take a stand to end men’s violence against women.

“We are running a number of programs/initiatives to support the campaign including the Seed Packet Initiative of Growing Respectful Relationships,” said Mr Ierino.

“The Seed packets will be placed in key locations across the Shire with supporting displays advocating for Growing Respectful Relationships. We are encouraging people to take the Seed Packets with them or to share with others as a way to start the conversation around; what is respect, what it means to be in a respectful relationship, what does a respectful relationship look like, and to call out violence against women.” Mr Ierino said.

Indigo Shire 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).

“We are working closely with our networks such as women’s health services, family violence networks, libraries and local businesses to spread this important message and prevent family violence,” Mr Ierino said.

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 the Respect Victoria website.   

If you are experiencing or are 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.