A time for reflection and growth

THERE are many things to celebrate at the beginning of December. The weather is finally warming up, holidays are just around the corner and we have plenty of events to bring our community together.

But as much as this is a time of celebration, the beginning of summer also offers a time for reflection, growth and introspection, as we acknowledge more serious topics.

We are just over halfway through the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Having commenced on November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – this international campaign implores us to work together to eradicate gender-based violence.

I am proud that we, the City of Greater Geelong, are demonstrating our commitment to equality, inclusion and respect for women by getting involved in this year’s campaign.

We are a proud partner of Respect 2040, a regional partnership of organisations in the Barwon South West area committed to ending violence against women.

The City was also proud to support Zonta Club of Geelong’s launch event at the commencement of this year’s campaign, and present the Barwon Respect Cup.

This City initiative empowers young people to take action against gender-based violence by promoting healthy relationships, affirmative consent and bystander intervention.

Earlier this week, we supported the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre’s primary prevention forum.

The Together We Can forum included interactive sessions that challenged rigid gender norms and fostered positive expressions of masculinity.

Similar conversations were held internally among City employees who engaged in this year’s program through a range of workshops and activities.

Executive Director Corporate Services, Troy Edwards, hosted a session with Jesuit Social Services’ initiative, The Men’s Project.

The project supports men and boys to live respectful, accountable and fulfilling lives free from violence and other harmful behaviours. It challenges societal pressures and expectations to support at-risk men and promote attitude change.

We cannot turn a blind eye to family and gendered violence, or pretend that it isn’t a problem in our region.

Rates of family violence in regional, rural and remote locations are higher than in urban areas.

From 2021 to 2023, Barwon South West region police reported a 5.3 per cent increase in family violence incidents, compared to a .04 per cent decrease in inner city Melbourne.

Compared to men, women are at greater risk of physical and sexual violence by a partner.

For women in their reproductive years living in Australia, intimate partner violence poses a greater health risk factor than smoking, alcohol or obesity.

These are incredibly worrying statistics, and these are facts that simply cannot be ignored.

The 16 Days of Activism concludes on December 10, coinciding with Human Rights Day.

It’s fitting, because everyone deserves the right to feel safe and secure, whether it’s out in the community, in the workplace or at home.

I urge you to see how you can get involved in the final days of this campaign.

And, following the end of these 16 days, don’t drop the ball. Where safe, call out toxic masculinity, question harmful attitudes and together, let’s create a culture where women are safe and respected.

If you are interested in getting involved in this year’s 16 Days of Activism program, Respect 2040 is hosting a series of webinars both during the campaign and throughout the year. To register, visit respect2040.com/news-and-events

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Speak to someone at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Cr Elise Wilkinson

Connewarre Ward,

City of Greater Geelong