From 25 November Victorian councils will show their support for the eradication of men’s violence against women.
Commonly referred to as White Ribbon Day, 25 November marks the beginning of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
MAV President, and White Ribbon Ambassador, Cr Bill McArthur said Victorian councils were leading the way in the local government sector to help prevent violence against women.
“One Australian woman is killed by her current or former partner almost every week. That is a shocking statistic and it’s not acceptable. No Victorian municipality is free from family violence, but councils are helping to prevent violence through structural and attitudinal change,” Cr McArthur said.
“Not only are lives being lost, and the physical and mental health of victims affected by these horrendous acts, new figures from Our Watch and VicHealth show that domestic violence is costing Australia $21.6 billion each year.
“This year many organisations and individuals are showing their support by ‘going orange’ for a new State Government campaign called Victoria Against Violence. The campaign runs from 25 November for the 16 days with Parliament House and other landmarks ‘going orange’.
“Councils will be holding community events, wearing white ribbons, and holding staff events to support the 16 days of activism. MAV staff will participate in the 7th annual Walk Against Violence in Melbourne’s CBD.
“It has been a big year for local government in its bid to end violence against women. In Victoria we have more than 60 councils who now incorporate a family violence leave clause into their enterprise bargaining agreements for staff affected by violence.
“Councils are in a good position to effect change through a range of community services including maternal and child health, home and community care, emergency management recovery, and youth services.
“Next year violence prevention will continue to be at the political forefront with recommendations released from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. We hope these will support councils’ role and capacity to further progress local gender equity initiatives and influence attitudinal change.
“Councils and the MAV are also supporting a new framework developed by Our Watch called ‘Change the Story’. The framework is a national approach to prevent violence against women and their children, and makes it clear that gender inequality is the main driver behind violence against women.
“We will be showcasing councils’ contribution to changing the story at an end of year forum in partnership with Our Watch and the City of Melbourne on 16 December. Guests will include Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson, Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, Melbourne City Council CEO and Male Champion of Change, Ben Rimmer, along with presentations of council gender equity initiatives.
“The MAV is proud of the sector’s efforts and looks forward to its continuation next year. Councils have done some great work in building momentum within communities to unite and say no to violence and we look forward to a time when Australia is free from domestic violence,” he said.
