Council supports anti-violence campaign

East Gippsland Shire Council is taking part in the Victoria Against Violence campaign from November 25 to December 10, which coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

Council is one of a number of organisations supporting a community walk and barbecue on Wednesday, November 28. Walk to Change the Story includes guest speakers and information stalls. The walk begins at the corner of McCulloch and Main streets, Bairnsdale at 10.30am.

Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said Victoria Against Violence aims to call out the drivers of family violence.

“Telling someone their comment or behaviour is inappropriate is one of the ways to change the culture that allows family violence to happen,” Cr O’Connell said.

“Family violence also includes non-physical abuse, such as verbal and financial. Events such as the walk and these campaigns help show victims that what they’re experiencing is not part of a normal relationship and there is help out there.

“It is also crucial that we as a community set the standard of acceptable behaviour and respectful relationships now and into the future, which is why young people are also engaged in this program,” Cr O’Connell said.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign begins globally each year on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day.

The United Nations reports one in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence. In Australia, one woman dies almost every week at the hands of a current or former partner.

For more information on Victoria Against Violence, visit Respect Victoria's website.