City stands up to violence against women

THE City of Greater Geelong is supporting an international commitment to end gender-based violence against women through 16 Days of Activism.

The city has released videos on social media featuring mayor Trent Sullivan and councillors Stephanie Asher and Belinda Moloney, emphasising the importance of respect and gender equality.

The city is also promoting events and initiatives from other regional organisations taking part in the cause, including a community art exhibition led by the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre and a Walk Against Family Violence hosted by the Zonta Club of Geelong on Friday last week, which marked day one of the campaign on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“It is really important that as a city we can a shine a light on this important topic and learn to call out inappropriate behaviour,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Preventing gender-based violence starts with advocating for the safety, equality and rights of all women and we all have a responsibility to contribute to that.”

Cr Moloney said the devaluation and disrespect of women was proven to increase the likelihood of gender-based violence against them, and causes harm to families and the community.

“This campaign aims to support our community in understanding what respect means, what it looks like and how to put it into practice in our everyday lives,” she said.

The initiative runs until Human Rights Day, which is observed worldwide on December 10.

The City of Greater Geelong has a range of support services and information available on its Family Violence Information Hub at: geelongaustralia.com.au/fv

For more details about the 16 Days of Activism campaign, respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/campaigns/16-days-activism-2022-respect-women-call-it-out-respect