From affluent suburbs to the most remote corners of the continent, violence against women is happening every day in our society.
President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Councillor Bill McArthur said as the level of government closest to the people, councils are ideally placed to lead by example and model gender equitable and respectful relationships.
“When you think about the investment that governments place on physical activity, alcohol, smoking and cholesterol, it is shocking to learn that violence from men is the leading contributor to preventable ill health, death and disability in Victorian women aged 15 to 44.”
At a White Ribbon conference in May Cr McArthur launched Prevention of ‘Violence Against Women – Leading change in the Victorian local government sector’, a handbook showcasing the good work of eight Victorian councils in their efforts to eliminate violence from our society. The handbook was developed with funding support from VicHealth.
“Darebin City Council for example, has been a leader in preventing violence against women by taking a whole-of-council approach. They self-funded a Preventing Violence Against Women officer, and last year endorsed a Women’s Equity Strategy which is being implemented through two action plans.
“Maribyrnong City Council’s work provides an evidence base for projects occurring in partnership with the community. The book provides an overview of Maribyrnong’s efforts, including local young people creating hip-hop music inspired by the white ribbon campaign and council’s corporate values of ‘respect, courage, integrity’.
“Another exciting case study tells of Strathbogie Shire, a small rural council without the resources of bigger councils, but with the equivalent passion. It is working with local sporting clubs to promote the preventing violence against women message and implement a ‘White Ribbon Round’ in the annual fixture.
Cr McArthur said local government was also leading the way through its role as an employer.
“Surf Coast Shire made industrial relations history in 2010 as the first organisation in the world to introduce a family violence clause into its Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. At least 20 Victorian councils have followed suit, and more than one million Australian workers are now covered by paid family violence agreements.
“Baby Makes Three is a primary prevention program developed through Whitehorse Community Health Service with VicHealth funding. The program is now being implemented into five rural and seven metropolitan councils, aiming to support men and women through their transition to parenthood while encouraging equal relationships.
“The City of Casey is also working to address violence against women by training local officers to see potential signs of family violence through their interaction with the community – particularly when dealing with dangerous animals or issuing parking infringements.”
Moreland and Whittlesea were also invited to share their innovative projects at the conference, highlighting Moreland’s Active Women and Girls program which promotes gender equity in sporting clubs; and Whittlesea’s upgrade of sporting facilities to become more accessible and inclusive for women and girls.
“There is much more occurring in Victorian councils than what [can] be covered in the handbook,” Cr McArthur said. “But it outlines why council involvement is so important to this issue and provides recommendations and tangible case studies that can be adapted for use elsewhere.
“Preventing violence against women should be on the agenda of every single council, because with odds like one in three, we’re bound to know a women experiencing abuse. It is our duty to change this culture.”
