Respect Victoria is proud to be walking alongside Ballarat communities this Friday 29 November for the Walk Against Gender-Based Violence.
Ballarat organisations, leaders and communities are uniting to take action, to stand in solidarity with victim survivors, families and individuals impacted by violence to say enough is enough.
The Walk is being held as part of the statewide 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign and is one of many initiatives happening across the region.
Safety and respect are a basic right for women in any community, and this campaign is an opportunity for Victorians to get involved in creating a safe and equal future for everyone.
Respect Victoria has had the privilege of working alongside the Ballarat community for the past 5 months on the development of the Ballarat Community Saturation Model.
In mid-December, next steps in the co-design process for the saturation model will be announced, with a number of opportunities for engagement and input to support prevention and early intervention activities in Ballarat.
The Australian Centre for Social Innovation has been appointed to support with the co-design process and work alongside organisations and community members to support the design of the model.
Quotes attributable to Respect Victoria CEO Helen Bolton
“We’ve been so privileged to be welcomed by the Ballarat community this year. We will continue to be led by local communities on their experiences and expertise as we build solutions together to prevent gender-based violence.”
“We all have the power to create change together. From attending the Walk Against Gender-Based Violence to raise awareness, to pulling aside a mate if they say something harmful, to challenging stereotypes that hold us all back – every small step you take matters.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward
“The Walk Against Gender-Based Violence in Ballarat is a powerful display of the role we all have to play in creating a safer and equal Victoria.”
“By standing together we send a clear message that gender-based violence has no place here.”
“Preventing gender-based violence starts with respect. The 16 Days of Activism empower us to continue to take tangible steps toward a future free from harm.”
Quotes attributable to Women’s Health Grampians CEO, Marianne Hendron
“The Ballarat community is highly motivated to be part of the effort to prevent gendered violence after a challenging year. This is reflected in the wealth of 16 Days activities taking place both in Ballarat and further afield, all of which have come about through collaborative effort and a shared vision for safer, more equitable communities.”
“Primary prevention of violence in this region has always been strongly based in partnership as evidenced through the Communities of Respect & Equality (CoRE) Alliance. We have been very appreciative of Respect Victoria’s considered and sensitive approach to progressing the saturation model project in Ballarat and look forward to working together in its implementation.”
More information on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Alongside the Walk on Friday, several other events will be happening throughout the 16 Days of Activism in Ballarat including an art exhibition at the Ballarat and Sebastopol Libraries, story times at the Ballarat Libraries and Parents Place, and the launch of the Change Our Game video series.
For more information on 16 Days of Activism initiatives and events in Ballarat, take a look at the City of Ballarat events calendar.
For more information on taking action during the 16 Days of Activism and beyond, visit Respect Victoria’s website.