Yesterday marked the final day of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. In a year where communities and families are grieving the deaths of many women from men’s violence, this 16 Days was a powerful call to action from communities across the state to show up for the change desperately needed to create communities where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
And Victoria, you sure did show up!
Walking to end gender based violence
16 Days commenced with over 8,500 people joining the Walk Against Family Violence in Melbourne. The event was a powerful reminder that as a community we can create change, and an opportunity to show people whose lives have been impacted by violence that we stand with them.
The momentum continued in Ballarat. On November 29 hundreds of people gathered in the sunshine for the Ballarat Walk Against Gender-Based Violence. Together we listened to local advocates and leaders committed to making their communities safer, standing in solidarity with all people who have experienced and continue to experience violence.
The event showcased the incredible work happening across Ballarat to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, including work that's begun to develop the Ballarat Community Saturation Model. Sign up to our Ballarat mailing list to stay across updates on co-design and implementation.
Grassroots action for safe and equal communities
In partnership with Safe and Equal, Respect Victoria supported a record breaking 135 grassroot activities across the state.
We joined Djirra's ACTIVEism Festival – a celebration of Aboriginal women’s strength and a call to raise the voices of First Nations women in the plight to end gendered violence. Through cultural workshops, live music, healing activities, and community connection, the festival was a vibrant reminder of resilience, culture, and collective strength.
Engaging with decision makers
Throughout 16 Days Respect Victoria engaged with state and federal elected representatives to ensure the crisis of violence against women and prevention remain high on their policy agenda.
We joined Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward, Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change Tim Richardson, and Members from across the political spectrum for the launch of “The Living Room” at Parliament House, an installation highlighting the endemic nature of gendered violence in our homes, where elected Members were invited to document the actions they’ll take to help prevent this violence. We also met with national leaders in Canberra on prevention priorities and updates on the Ballarat Community Saturation Model.
It is so critical that preventing gender-based violence is a priority for decision-makers. Thank you to the political leaders who are speaking up and taking action to create communities where we are all safe, equal and respected.
Agency, access and action: Respect Victoria x Women with Disabilities Victoria
This 16 Days Respect Victoria partnered with Women with Disabilities Victoria to bring the voices and expertise of women and gender diverse people with disabilities to the front. Agency, access and action looks at what all of us can do to ensure everyone is safe, equal and has the power to make decisions about their own lives. From workplaces, to dating, fashion, disability pride and more - check out the stories that make up this powerful campaign.
Beyond 16 Days
Preventing gendered violence happens all year. Now is the time to channel the momentum of 16 Days across the next 365 Days.
We've got the 16 Days of Activism toolkit and resources to get you started. These resources are there to support your workplace, your sports club, your community to model a culture of equality and respect every day of the year.
It is tempting to feel powerless. I don't perpetrate violence, how can I drive change? But small actions add up - believing victim survivors, not blaming them, not tolerating sexist banter, these actions matter whether you are at home, at work, with friends.
16 Days is an important reminder that as a community, we can make change. Together we are powerful.