Council flies flag to stop violence against women

Published on 22 November 2023

The people of Corangamite Shire are being called to work together to prevent violence against women.

Corangamite Shire Council will fly the flag to support the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein invited community members to a flag raising event outside the Courthouse Camperdown on Monday 27 November at 1 pm.

“Each year the 16 days run from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until Human Rights Day on 10 December,” Cr Gstrein said.

“It is a time to remind everyone in the community that we can all work together year round to change the story about violence against women.

“Statistics show almost one in four women have experienced intimate partner violence so we all know more than one person who has been affected.

It affects everyone in our community, not only women. Family violence has significant consequences for children and young people.  Even if they don’t see or experience abuse, they’re still impacted by seeing things like injuries to a parent or damage to property. 

“It can impair children’s physical, emotional and brain development, their sense of security in relationships, their mental health and have long term consequences for friendships and relationships.

“It is a myth to believe that if babies or children don’t see or experience abuse they are not affected. They are always impacted by the harm being caused to their parent whether it is by coercive control, physical, emotional, financial, spiritual or sexual abuse. they’re still impacted by seeing things like injuries to a parent or damage to property.

“Family violence is increasing in Victoria’s communities and 30% of family violence incidents attended by the police involve children. Corangamite Shire is committed to working with local and statewide services to reduce family violence and it’s impacts through community awareness strategies and staff training.”

Cr Laurie Hickey said while many people experienced violence, 95 per cent of perpetrators were men.

“Women mostly experience violence at the hands of men, and people who are known to them, while men mostly experience violence from other men, and those they don’t know.

“Research tells us that sexism and disrespect towards women contribute to a culture that allows, justifies, or even promotes violence towards women.  

“Challenging disrespect towards women is everyone's responsibility.

“As blokes we can call out disrespect, sexism and other forms of discrimination early, we can help prevent violence against women. Together we can take steps towards a future where we are all safe, equal and respected.”

Respect Victoria’s Acting CEO Serina McDuff said an average of one Australian woman every 10 days is killed by a man they know.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Violence against women is preventable, and this 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to change the story,” she said.

“This means we need to address the harmful attitudes and behaviours that drive violence in society. Let’s work together to challenge harmful ideas about gender and power and create a future where all women are safe, equal and respected.”

For more information go to safeandequal.org.au or respectvictoria.vic.gov.au

If you need help you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.