Respect Is… calling out gender-based violence

Published on 14 November 2023

It’s almost time for a major annual campaign against gender-based violence, and once again Glenelg Shire Council will be playing its part.

Council has again received support from Safe and Equal (the peak body for specialist family violence services responding to victim survivors of family violence in Victoria) and Respect Victoria to drive action for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, beginning later this month.

It is part of the international campaign spearheaded by the United Nations and runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

This year’s theme will be “Respect Is…”

Activities in Glenelg Shire will commence with a Walk Against Family Violence between 10am and noon on Friday, 24 November.

Council is partnering with the Rotary SayNo2familyviolence committee to deliver Glenelg Shire’s walk which will commence on the Ploughed Field opposite Portland District Health and continues along Bentinck Street, finishing at the Portland Library deck.

At the library there will be a free barbecue, guest speakers and information about family violence services in Glenelg Shire.

Another major initiative through the 16 Days will be a display on the Bentinck Street fence from Friday, 24 November to Sunday, 10 December.

This display will signify the number of women lost to family violence each year in Australia.

Community members are invited to contribute by tying an orange ribbon to the fence to raise awareness.

A partnership of community groups, businesses, educational institutions and Local Government have developed shared social media messages under the Respect 2040 initiative for distribution across the south coast region.

Council will roll out footpath signage – this year “Respect Women, Call It Out” signage will again be applied to footpaths outside Council Customer Service Centres, libraries and participating health services.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2023, almost 1 in 4 women have experienced intimate partner violence by the age of 15.

Council itself has updated its Family and Domestic Violence Leave Policy so that all employees, including casuals, are entitled to access up to 20 days of paid leave per year.

The policy models best practice and aims to support the health and wellbeing of Council staff.

Family Violence leave can be taken, for the purpose of attending legal proceedings, counselling, appointments with a medical or legal practitioner; relocation or making other safety arrangements; and other activities associated with the experience of family and domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance.