Respect Victoria is proud to launch the ‘Respect Is’ campaign ahead of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which will begin on Thursday 25 November.
Designed to encourage community members to call out sexism and disrespect, the ‘Respect Is’ campaign aims to support Victorians to make the link between gender inequality and family violence in all its forms.
“Violence against women and family violence is preventable, and we can all play a role in calling out sexism and disrespect when we see or hear it,” said Respect Victoria’s Acting CEO Amy Prendergast.
“Respect sits at the core of all safe, healthy and equal relationships, and this campaign is calling on Victorians to take a look at how respect shows up in their homes, workplaces and communities,” said Ms Prendergast.
The campaign will amplify messages from victim-survivors and community advocates including Rosie Batty, Nyadol Nyuon, Cam Nguyen, Kristy Dickinson, YiaYia Next Door’s Luke and Daniel Manusco, and members of the Victorian Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council.
“We must take action to prevent gender-based violence, and it’s important that the voices and expertise of those with lived experience are a significant part of that effort,” said Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council Deputy Chair Geraldine Bilston.
“The messages shared in this campaign are not only hopeful words, they are also a call for action and a safe, equal and respectful future for all of us,” said Ms Bilston.
“Respect is being heard, believed, and supported,” said family violence advocate and ‘Respect Is’ Ambassador Rosie Batty.
“When I think about respect, I don't think about it just in the context of being a woman – I think about the many kinds of judgements we face in our communities, and how changing that could ultimately prevent violence,” said Ms Batty.
Alongside the ‘Respect Is’ campaign, Respect Victoria is proud to partner with Safe Steps on the Walk Against Family Violence on November 25, and to support Safe and Equal to lead grassroots community initiatives across the state during the 16 Days of Activism.
“The 16 Days of Activism offers a unique opportunity for many different communities and organisations to come together and take action to create a future where all Victorians are safe, equal and respected,” said Ms Prendergast.
“Outdated attitudes about gender no longer have a place in the spaces we live, work or play, and by leading with respect we can stop family violence and violence against women before it starts.”
The campaign will launch across regional television, metro and regional radio, press, and digital and social channels over the coming week. The campaign will also run in Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hindi across several platforms.
Learn more about the ‘Respect Is’ campaign here, and follow Respect Victoria on social media throughout the 16 Days of Activism to see new messages as they are unveiled. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.