Respect Victoria is proud to launch a new Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign ahead of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Respect Is,’ and messages of equality and respect will be highlighted throughout. To view the campaign visit Respect Women: Call It Out (Respect Is).
Between April and June this year, the number of family violence incidents recorded by police in Victoria increased by 11.7%, and support service 1800 RESPECT saw a 66% increase in calls compared to the same period in 2019.
“Victorians worked together this year to navigate unforeseen challenges as a community and to support each other during a time of crisis. We must take the same approach to preventing violence against women and use our collective power to call out harmful attitudes and behaviours,” said Respect Victoria Chair Melanie Eagle.
“We all deserve to be treated with respect, and the way that we talk to and act towards our partners, family, friends, neighbours and colleagues matters. We can prevent family violence and violence against women by identifying the signs and taking action to call it out,” Ms Eagle added.
The campaign forms the basis for grassroots initiatives led by Victorian councils and a number of community organisations in metro and regional Victoria.
“The MAV recognises the importance of supporting Respect Victoria to deliver the Respect Women: Call It Out campaign to diverse communities across the state. This year, all 79 Victorian councils together with 18 non-government organisations are participating in the campaign, with many creative initiatives and collaborations underway,” said Municipal Association of Victoria CEO Kerry Thompson.
The powerful messages used throughout this campaign seek to support individuals, couples, families and communities to unpack what respect means to them, and how it plays out in their everyday lives.
“From making sure the chores and decision-making is shared equally at home, to approaching conflict with respect, to celebrating the differences of those around us, we all have steps we can take to call out ourselves and others,” said Respect Victoria CEO Tracey Gaudry.
Gender inequality is one of the biggest drivers of violence against women and family violence.
“Respect sits at the core of all safe, healthy and equal relationships, and outdated stereotypes and attitudes about gender no longer have a place in our communities,” said Ms Gaudry.
The campaign will launch across metropolitan, regional television, radio, press, and digital and social channels over the coming week. The campaign will also run in Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi and Greek across several platforms.
For support
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.
If you are experiencing or at risk of experiencing violence, help is available.
- If you are experiencing or at risk of family violence, you can access help 24/7 by calling safe steps on 1800 015 188 or using the safe steps live chat function.
- If you are worried your behaviour might be harming your family members or partner now or in the future, call the No To Violence Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. To speak with a specialist counsellor, access the No To Violence live chat service
- Djirra provides culturally safe legal and non-legal support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who have experienced or are experiencing family violence. For assistance call Djirra on 1800 105 303 from Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm or visit the Djirra website
- Yarning SafeNStrong is a confidential service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people run by the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. The service is culturally safe and available 24/7 on 1800 959 563. To learn more visit the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service website
- InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence is a specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families and their communities. Call 1800 755 988 or visit the InTouch website
- Rainbow Door is a specialist helpline for LGBTIQA+ Victorians and their family and friends. Phone Rainbow Door on 1800 729 367, text on 0480 017 246 or email support@rainbowdoor.org.au. For more information visit the Rainbow Door website
- Queerspace provides for community, by community counselling. Call Drummond Street Services on (03) 9663 6733 or visit the queerspace website
- Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, and advice to older people and their families who are experiencing elder abuse. Call Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 or visit the Seniors Rights Victoria website
- Kids Helpline is an Australian free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Call 1800 55 1800 anytime for any reason or visit the Kids Helpline website