The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has won a prestigious international award for its ‘Prevention of Violence Against Women – Leading Change in the Victorian local lovernment Sector’ booklet.
The Avon Global Communications Awards recognise work that helps change communities, policies, institutions and behaviours to end violence against women.
The booklet was selected from nearly 400 submissions by 146 organisations in 42 countries.
The MAV have announced that the $5000 award grant will fund the creation of a prevention of violence against women infographic for local government, which will be developed in partnership with Our Watch.
The booklet, funded by VicHealth in 2013, will help inform the infographic.
It will include information on how gender equity and violence prevention practices can be implemented to all areas of council services.
It will also encourage male leaders and staff to actively support campaigns to end men’s violence against women.
MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur said the infographic would be a great resource for councils who are already doing extensive work in promoting gender equity in the prevention of violence against women space.
“Councils across Victoria have come a long way in the role they play in preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality.
“The infographic will assist this work, and will hopefully encourage and support councils who are newly embracing these practices.
“It’s a horrific fact that one woman per week is killed in Australia by her current or former partner.
“If councils can positively influence communities to understand that violence is never acceptable, and help create environments where women and men are equal, then we need to work as hard as we can to achieve this.
“Victorian councils are leading the way with localised and internal campaigns and activities, policies and initiatives that aim to prevent violence against women starting at the local level, and continued advocacy for gender equity.
“We look forward to working with Our Watch to create this infographic, and we are hopeful it will be embraced by councils for the benefit of communities.”
Our Watch CEO Paul Linossier said he looked forward to working collaboratively with the MAV to create a new resource for councils.
“Our congratulations to MAV on this international recognition of the fantastic leadership it provides on the prevention of violence against women across local government in Victoria.
“We are proud to be partnering with MAV in the development of resources that will strengthen a shared understanding of the changes needed to ensure that women and their children live free from violence and control.”
