16 Days of Activism campaign

Council is proud to again be supporting the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a global movement that promotes gender equality and encourages communities to take action to prevent gender-based violence.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign began on 25 November with the Elimination of Violence Against Women and culminates in Human Rights Day on 10 December. It promotes collective action to prevent gender-based violence including violence against women and girls, sexual assault, coercive control and elder abuse.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Mike Symon, said this year’s campaign was more important than ever.

“COVID-19 lockdowns have resulted in higher and more frequent levels of violence against women. We also acknowledge that LGBTIQA+ people, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities, experience a higher proportion of partner and family violence,” Cr Symon said.

“Preventing violence against women is about building systems, cultures, organisations and communities that are safe and inclusive and that promote equal and respectful relationships between people of all genders,” he said.

In support of the campaign, Council will be:

The community can also take part in a number of events during December.

Maroondah’s popular EV’s Hangout, located at EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon, is hosting ‘Wear for Respect’ on Thursday 9 December at 4pm.

The session, for young people aged 12 to 25, will include a discussion about healthy, positive relationships, along with T-shirt painting and badge making activities.

On Thursday 2 December at 7pm, the community was invited to a free online webinar Understanding controlling behaviour in relationships with award-winning author and Australian investigative journalist, Jess Hill. The webinar examined the complex nature of relationships and how both violence and non-violence can be harmful, and how we as a society can help change the story.

If you or someone you know is impacted by gender-based violence, partner violence, elder abuse or sexual assault, contact 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732, a 24-hour confidential information, counselling and support service.

You can also contact 1800 015 188 Safe Steps, Victoria’s 24/7 family violence support service.

In an emergency call 000 police.

To attend the Understanding Controlling Behaviour in Relationships free webinar, register here.

For more ways to get involved and show your support, visit 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign.