Eliminating violence against women

THE International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 marks the launch of the global UNiTE campaign.

The 16 days of activism concludes on International Human Rights Day on December 10 and brings together international communities to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

The Byron Community Centre recently launched a new Women’s Emergency Relief Program in the NSW Northern Rivers region.

Assistant manager and community support worker at Fletcher Street Cottage, Maddi Powell, said public acknowledgement of the issues was essential.

“Recognising days like the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is crucial, as they shine a light on a persistent issue that affects countless women within our own Byron community,” Ms Powell said.

The Byron Shire has seen an increasing number of women seeking help due to domestic violence, financial instability and homelessness. A new initiative at the Byron Community Centre provides immediate, flexible assistance including transport to safe locations, food vouchers and emergency camping equipment.

The program aims to swiftly address emergencies and ensure vulnerable women receive timely life-saving support, including critical resources such as transport to safe locations, food vouchers and emergency camping equipment.

“At Fletcher Street Cottage, we’ve seen a rise in women seeking support services, highlighting the need for safe spaces and comprehensive support in our community,” Ms Powell said.

“Our goal in the coming year is to expand our recently launched Women’s Emergency Relief Program, providing immediate assistance and resources to help women rebuild their lives free from violence.”

United Nations research shows that violence against women and girls remains ‘largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it, and continues to be an obstacle to achieving equality, peace, development, and the fulfilment of women and girls’ human rights’.

For information and to support women fleeing violence, visit byroncentre.com.au/programs/womens-emergency-relief-program