An exhibition by a local artist honouring domestic violence victims, an illuminated Arts Centre and activities at the Drouin library make up the local events being held in honour of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which officially starts today.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (Human Rights Day).
During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Once again, Baw Baw Shire Council will show its support for this important campaign and help initiate important conversations about gender-based violence in the Baw Baw community, and beyond.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said that he hoped the events and discussions during this campaign would help draw more awareness to this prevalent cultural and systemic issue facing our local community.
"The statistics for Baw Baw are not good and this is not an issue that we can back away from," Cr Goss said.
"Community leaders like myself need to loudly and vigorously condemn this sort of violence. And I do. This issue is a scourge on our society and we all need to do better.
I back this campaign wholeheartedly."
From June 2023 - June 2024 in Baw Baw Shire:
There were 1,283 calls for assistance to Victoria Police. This is an increase by 34.4% on the previous 12 months
75% of those who called Vic Pol for assistance identified as female
Per 100,000 people, Baw Baw had the 25th highest rates of family violence in the State
For the duration of the campaign, the West Gippsland Arts Centre will be lit up orange to acknowledge the occasion and pay tribute to those who have fallen victim to these heinous crimes.
The exhibition at the Arts Centre by Keira Sloetjes will be on display until 29 November and is aimed at raising awareness of family violence prevention, through a powerful display of works showcasing portraits of victims of domestic violence.
Myli is also hosting a star weaving activity at the Drouin Library on 29 November at 1.00pm. The purpose of weaving stars is to continue to nurture global conversations on how to end violence, using the joy and healing power of arts and crafts. The One Billion Stars Project is a community project devised by Maryann Talia Pau, a weaver artist living on Quandamooka Country in Queensland.
