Baw Baw supports the 16 Days of Activism campaign

Published on 25 November 2020

Baw Baw Shire Council is proud to support Respect Victoria to deliver its Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign. The campaign is part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Respect Is…’ and messages of equality and respect will be highlighted across the state.

Council received $2,500 from Respect Victoria to run initiatives and increase the community's understanding that respect prevents violence during the 16 days and beyond.

During the campaign bright orange street flags and billboards in Drouin and Warragul will feature the key message We’re going orange to highlight respect. The West Gippsland Arts Centre will also be lit with orange lighting each night to create a focal point for the community.

Statistics show that one in four women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of fifteen (compared to one in thirteen men).

Council has partnered with the Our Watch, Our Issue committee to expand the reach of the campaign in the community.

All 79 Victorian councils as well as 18 specialist non-government organisations are involved in the state-wide Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign. The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) and Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) are also partnering with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to provide their expertise.

For more information or to seek help, visit the Respect Victoria website or call 1800 RESPECT.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

 “This is a time to actively promote gender equality and take a stand to end men’s violence against women. We’re making a visual impact with this campaign to send a strong message to the community about the importance of respect for others and ourselves. We are also working closely with our networks such as women’s health services, family violence networks, libraries and local businesses to spread this important message and prevent family violence.”