Saturday 25 November marked the start of 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to end gender-based violence by changing the culture that drives it.
Running from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December, the campaign focuses on the values of safety, equality and respect as necessary to reduce harm on women and girls.
In 2022, Hume residents reported nearly 3,000 Family Violence Incidents, with the overwhelming majority of family violence perpetrated by men against women.
In fact, the numbers show that:
1 in 3 Australian women have experienced physical violence.
90 per cent of Australian women with an intellectual disability have experienced sexual abuse
1 in 4 women, and 1 in 7 men, have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
Over the next 16 days a variety of workshops and events will be held in Hume to help educate our community about gender equality and family violence prevention.
The inclusive events are presented as an educational tool for all people, regardless of age, gender or race, to build a culture of respect for others.
They include:
Walks Against Violence with groups meeting at our community and learning centres at Aitken Hill, Broadmeadows, Kalkallo and Newbury.
"Equal the Contest" film screening
The Best Time in History to be a Dad – a seminar at DPV to explore the challenges of fatherhood in 2023
Beyond the Shadows webinar to support children of DV from linguistically diverse backgrounds
Respect starts with a conversation discussion about how respectful relationships start with respectful conversations and the important work Council is doing around equality.
Learn more about these events and others to join the 16 Days of Activism.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hume City Cr. Naim Kurt:
"The 16 Days of Activism to end Gender Based Violence is an opportunity for us all to stand up against gender targeted abusive behaviours.
"Regrettably, family violence rates remain high in the Hume municipal area and as Mayor, I am dedicated to raising awareness and changing harmful behaviours for those at risk
"I will be joining the Walk Without Violence and supporting the many other activities happening during the 16 Days of Activism to do my bit in showing that ending gender-based violence is a responsibility for all of us as a community to address."
