A violence free Victoria starts with respect.
Not all disrespect leads to violence against women – but all violence against women begins with disrespect.
Communities across the world will join for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (16 Days of Activism) campaign, from 25 November – 10 December. This is an important time to raise awareness of the many forms of gender-based violence, and promote gender equity to end it.
This year’s United Nations global theme is 'Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls'. Digital violence is one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse and includes cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, AI generated deepfakes and online grooming.
Misinformation and hate shared online is fuelling societal pressure on boys and men to conform to rigid gender stereotypes, which is one of the main drivers behind men’s violence against women.
In Victoria, the headline event is the 17th annual Walk Against Family Violence in Melbourne CBD on Friday 28 November. This event is an important opportunity to walk in solidarity with victim survivors and take action to prevent family violence and violence against women.
The Walk Against Family Violence will begin at 10am at Birrarung Marr (Upper Terrace) in Melbourne’s city centre. Participants will then walk together 700 metres to Treasury Gardens, where there will be a lineup of powerful speakers, including Aboriginal women’s safety advocate and CEO of Djirra, Antoinette Braybrook, Kulturebrille founder, Anu Krishnan, and Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe Ball.
For more information about 16 Days of Activism and attending the Walk Against Family Violence, visit the Respect Victoria website. More regional events can be found at Safe and Equal’s 16 Days of Activism webpage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, help is available:
- For emergencies or immediate danger, call 000 and ask for the police.
- For Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
- For in-person, phone or online support, The Orange Door provides free support 9am-5pm weekdays – visit The Orange Door website to find a location near you.