Standing Together Against Gender Based Violence
Published on 15 November 2024
Published on 15 November 2024
As 25 November approaches, it brings with it the start of the 16 days of Activism where we fight for the elimination of violence against women.
During this time, women's rights are recognised around the world with organisations and individuals raising awareness about gender equality and the devastating impacts of domestic violence.
This year, Southern Grampians Shire Council is joining Rotary Hamilton’s Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence on Saturday 30 November 2024.
Rotary Hamilton’s walk will start at 10:00am from the Hamilton Botanic Gardens (Thompson Street Gates) and will finish at the Hamilton PAC. Residents are encouraged to wear purple to support the end to gender-based violence or orange in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism. Guest speakers will feature from Victoria Police, WDHS and Council and will be followed by a free sausage sizzle.
Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle said the campaign is an important reminder that violence against women and children happens in our Shire and we can all take steps together to prevent it.
“16 Days of Activism is an important time every year where we have the responsibility to have important conversations around the impact against gender-based violence has on our community.
"We know statistically that gender-based violence is alarmingly high within the Southern Grampians so we have a lot of work to do as a community.
“We know these conversations should be had year-round, but the 16 Days of Activism really puts a spotlight on what we are willing to accept as a community. It holds us responsible for having those difficult chats and challenges us all to look at the basic human right for equality. This is our time to say no.
“I encourage you all to get involved this year and make a visible stand. Join the walk against domestic violence, wear your purple and orange to show there is no excuse for gender-based violence within the Southern Grampians,” concluded Mr Doyle.
In Australia, 23% of all women (1 in 4), have experienced domestic violence since the age of 15. Earlier this year Prime Minister Albanese declared Australia was facing a national crisis of violence against women, with one woman being killed every four days with the yearly figure at 58, up from 35 at the same time last year. Since his declaration, the figure has grown and alarmingly sits at 81 women murdered in 2024.
While we recognise domestic violence against both Men and Women, locally Southern Grampians Shire was up 27.5% this financial year compared to last with over 75% of total incidents against Women.
The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and ends on International Human Rights Day, 10 December.