Council steps up against family and gendered violence

This year’s theme, “Respect is…”, asks every person to reflect on what respect means in their daily lives. For Council, it means taking action to create a community where everyone can live free from fear and harm.

Wellington Shire has the sixth highest rate of family violence in Victoria, with 1508 family violence callouts to Victoria Police in the past year - a 13 per cent increase on the previous year. Across Gippsland, neighbours East Gippsland and Latrobe hold the first and second highest rates in the state.

Nationally, one woman is killed by a current or former partner every eight days, and two in five women have experienced violence since the age of 15. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, the risk is even greater - they are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised and 11 times more likely to die from assault than non-Indigenous women.

Wellington Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Morcom said the numbers were heartbreaking, but they weren’t inevitable.

“Violence is preventable. Respect is for everyone. Respect is the future we choose,” he said.

Council leads the Wellington Prevention of Family Violence Network, which brings together organisations, services and community groups who play a role in prevention, response and recovery. By collaborating, it collectively ensures messages, events and training around family violence, equality and respect are impactful and creating change.

To mark the 16 Days of Activism, community members are invited to take part in activities throughout the campaign, including:

• A 16-hour walk in Yarram (from 4am until 8pm) on Tuesday, 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women);

• A movie screening of ‘Equal the Contest’ at the Regent Theatre in Yarram, which explores gender equality in sport on Thursday, 27 November; and

• Wellington Walk Against Family Violence from Sale Clocktower to the Port of Sale from 4pm on Wednesday 10 December, where local advocates will speak before a peaceful walk down Raymond St.

The Gippsland Family Violence Alliance Leadership Forum, held in partnership with Wellington Shire Council on Friday 2 December in Sale, which brings together regional leaders to drive prevention, is already fully subscribed.

Mr Morcom said the events were a chance for the community to show leadership and solidarity.

“Respect is a choice we make every day,” the CEO said.

“It’s teaching our kids about equality, calling out behaviour that isn’t okay and modelling respect in our homes and workplaces.

“Last year, I was deeply moved by the walk, which reminded me how close these issues are to all of us.

“This year, I’m asking everyone and especially men - to step up and join me at the Wellington Walk Against Family Violence. Your presence matters. It shows our community that we will not accept violence, and we will not stay silent.”

Council encourages everyone to attend the walk and other events, reflect on what respect means, and help create a future free from violence.

For more information, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/community/16-days-of-activism

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