Call to step up to end violence against women

THE Ballarat community is called to stand together, speak up, and take action to end violence against women as the 16 Days of Activism Campiagn gets underway.

The initiative was launched at the Ballarat Library on Tuesday 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and will run until Human Rights Day on Wednesday 10 December.

A 16 Ways for 16 Days trail map can be found on the City of Ballarat website which provides meaningful activities residents can take part in each day, such as reading a survivor’s story or supporting local women’s services.

The campaign is coordinated by the City of Ballarat alongside Women’s Health Grampians, Grampians Health, Respect Victoria, WRISC, and other community groups.

“It’s a large movement around acknowledging and tackling the huge problem that is gender-based violence in our society,” Cr Tess Morgan said.

“As a teacher in Ballarat, but also as a woman and a mum and a runner, there was moment for me when I needed to step forward and do my very best to help.

“We can’t just say it’s as simple as going for a run around the lake where there’s lights… Unfortunately women and children are being impacted and are least safe in their own homes.”

The Transforming Pain into Power art exhibition is on display at the Ballarat Library, Barkly Square and Art Space Ballarat and shows work from local artists who are speaking out against gendered violence.

Survivor Marita Forsyth’s work depicts her looking on to her perpetrators in a burning car.

“When I did the EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) I had a really vivid imagination,” she said.

“At the end of that, my positive, empowering image was of my perpetrators being in a car and the car was on fire and I was outside of that.

“My back being to them is like I am still here; I actually am coming into my power.”

Ms Forsyth said she hopes the campaign sparks conversations. She would like to see the justice system overhauled and more discussion around gender roles.

“We need structural change and that is going to take a lot, but we can’t just wait until it happens and do something,” she said.

“My case took five years from when I first reported…. the rate of convictions is like three per cent, it’s terrible.”

For more information about the campaign, visit the City of Ballarat website.

If you or someone you know is dealing with issues resulting from sexual or physical abuse, help is available from CASA on 1800 806 292 or casacv.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au, and 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.