Communities across the world will join together for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (16 Days of Activism) campaign, from 25 November – 10 December.
The campaign aims to raise awareness that men’s violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights, and to encourage action to end all gender-based violence.
In Victoria, 16 Days of Activism will begin with the 16th annual Walk Against Family Violence in Melbourne’s city centre on Friday 22 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.
You can join the Walk Against Family Violence at 11am at Birrarung Marr (Upper Terrace) in Melbourne’s city centre. Participants will then walk together 700 metres to Treasury Gardens, where there will be food trucks, market stalls and a lineup of powerful speakers.
Speakers will include Sarah and Matt Brown (founders of She Is Not Your Rehab), Conor Pall (Deputy Chair of the Victorian Government's Victim Survivor's Advisory Council) and Hannah Pennington (Project Coordinator with Women with Disabilities Victoria).
We encourage you to arrive early to get your official event hat. People of all genders are welcome. Wear orange if you can, bring a water bottle, and don’t forget colourful signs and banners.
Alternatively, there are many other events happening across the state to acknowledge 16 Days of Activism. Visit Safe and Equal’s community calendar to find out more
The Victorian Government is committed to the prevention of gender-based violence and has invested more than $465 million in primary prevention and gender equality initiatives since the Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2016. But there is still more work to be done.
Every Victorian can help create a future where every person is safe, equal and respected.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, contact Safe Steps, Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre on 1800 015 188.
The Orange Door also provides free support 9am-5pm weekdays. Visit the support near you page to find a location near you.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 000 and ask for the police.
For more information, visit www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au