Shining a light on family & gender-based violence

Glenelg Shire Council is proud to participate in 16 Days of Activism this year, an international campaign against gender-based violence.

Across the Glenelg Shire the campaign, from November 25 to December 10, will focus on the different forms that family violence can take and the impact of this on our community.

In Australia, more than 1 in 3 women have experienced men’s violence. On average, a woman is killed by a man she knows every 10 days, and in 2024 that number is much higher.

Glenelg Shire Council chief executive officer Helen Havercroft said it doesn’t have to be this way.

“Violence against women is preventable,” she said. “This 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to come together to progress a future where all Victorians are safe, equal and respected.

“To eliminate men’s violence against women we need to address the harmful attitudes and behaviours that drive violence in society. Importantly, everyone has a role to play.

“This 16 Days of Activism let’s work together to challenge harmful ideas about gender and power, and to create a future where all women live free from violence.”

Council and community groups are again holding activities for the 16 Days of Activism.

This year council, service providers and community groups will support the Rotary SayNo2familyviolence committee to deliver a Walk Against Family Violence on Friday, November 29, at the Heywood Community Hall.

Rotary will provide a free breakfast and coffee from 8.30am ahead of the walk commencing at 10am, starting and finishing at the Hall.

This will be followed by a community event raising awareness of what the issue looks like in our community and how we facilitate support. All are welcome and participants are asked to wear orange in support of the national campaign.

Casterton will also host a Community Walk followed by morning tea and discussion at Hey Jude, Henty Street, Casterton, on Friday, December 6, from 9am. Campaign signage will this year again be displayed on town entrance signage and on footpaths.

Businesses, schools and community groups are also invited to participate in the Clothesline Project for Glenelg.

The Clothesline Project is a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored.

Each shirt represents a survivor of violence or by someone who has lost a loved one to violence. The purpose of the project is to increase awareness of the impact of violence and abuse, to honour a survivor’s strength to continue, and to provide another avenue for them to courageously break the silence that often surrounds their experience.

If you would like to participate in the Clothesline Project, free resource packs will be available at Council Customer Service Centres in Portland, Heywood and Casterton during November. For further information check out the Events page on Council’s website or our social media. The campaign will end on Tuesday, December 10, which marks the global Human Rights Day. Join the 16 Days of Activism and help build communities where women are safe and equal.

For more information visit the Safe and Equal website for the community calendar of events happening across the state, and the Respect Victoria website for tips and tools. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or in an emergency situation please call Triple Zero (000) for urgent police assistance.