In Australia, a woman is being killed every four days, often by a man she knows.
In the past week alone in Victoria, the deaths of two women – Isla Bell and Vicky Van Aiken - have been reported.
In the face of this devastation, Victorians are uniting to take action. On 22 November, Victorians will come together for the annual Walk Against Family Violence, launching the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Last year, more than 5000 Victorians from across every corner of the community joined the Walk. Among them were community leaders, young people, parents, community groups, social services, businesses, unions, peak bodies, and state and Federal members of Parliament, all standing in solidarity with victim-survivors.
Starting at the Upper Terrace at Birrarung Marr and ending at Treasury Gardens, the Walk offers an opportunity for everyone—friends, family, colleagues, organisations, workplaces, and the media—to help change Australia's attitudes towards gender-based violence.
Quotes attributable to Respect Victoria Chairperson, Kate Fitz-Gibbon
“Victorians of all genders, from all backgrounds and communities, are showing up because ending family violence and men’s use of violence against women matters to them. While the horrific rates of violence can feel overwhelming, joining the Walk Against Family Violence is a positive action each of us can take to show our support for a violence free society.
“The Walk Against Family Violence is a powerful demonstration of the community's unwavering support to end the behaviours and attitudes that enable men’s use of violence against women. We know not all disrespect leads to violence against women, but all violence against women begins with disrespect. The 16 Days of Activism provide great opportunities for all Victorians to get involved in shifting the narrative.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward
"The Walk Against Family Violence is about standing alongside victim-survivors; we're drawing a line and holding accountable those who have chosen to use violence."
"Enough is enough - we need to keep building the long-term cultural shift to end violence for good."
Quotes attributable to Djirra CEO, Antoinette Braybrook AM
“Aboriginal women experience abuse, violence and are murdered at rates far greater than any other women in this country. This violence not only comes from men, it comes from punitive and racist systems designed to silence and oppress us. During this 16 Days of Activism, Djirra calls on you to unite with us amplify our voices, visibility and calls for change. Show up and speak up to demand action. Advocate with us in calling on governments to invest in our self-determined solutions. The time for self-determination in First Nations women’s safety is now. Aboriginal women’s lives matter too, and we deserve to be heard.”
Quotes attributable to Matt Brown, Co-founder of She Is Not Your Rehab
“We’re incredibly honoured to be in Australia, joining you for the Walk Against Violence. Sarah and I deeply believe in the power of the collective, where we come together to foster change and generational healing. As a community, we unite to end family harm and as we walk in sober remembrance of the lives lost to violence this year, may we find the courage to create lasting solutions to enact a country free of violence.”
Quotes attributable to Julie Kun, Acting CEO, Women with Disabilities Victoria
“Violence against women and girls with disabilities remains alarmingly rampant, too often excused and ignored. In Australia, women with disabilities are twice as likely to be physically assaulted annually and experience sexual violence over their lifetime compared to those without disabilities. 16 Days of Activism is a space for solidarity to stand in unity against gender inequity, misogyny, and ableism. Together we are strong and mighty.”
More information
Eleanor Pallett | Social Change Projects | eleanor@socialchangeprojects.com.au | 0425 852 473