16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign rallying everyone in the community to understand, act on, and speak out against gender-based violence, including family and intimate partner violence, sexual assault and street-based harassment (please see list of support resources at the bottom of this page).
It officially begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It has been running annually for over 30 years.
2022 campaign
Council is proud to join this campaign and encourages the community to get involved! You will see the Clocktower lit up in orange and a social media campaign around the “Respect Women: Call it Out (Respect Is)” theme, and we are thrilled to be involved in several free events for community:
Walk Against Violence, 25th November
Step out in orange and unite with thousands of people across Victoria to raise awareness and walk in solidarity with victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and violence against women, at the 14th Annual Walk Against Family Violence.
When: Friday 25th November: 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Where: Walk begins at Parliament House and ends in Carlton Gardens.
Register for the event
(MVCC meeting point will be Spring St Grocer, 157 Spring Street, Melbourne.
Please contact communitysafety@mvcc.vic.gov.au for more information)
This WAFV2022 event is supported by Respect Victoria as Principal Partner and is organised by Safe Steps Family Violence Centre.
Impatient! Speaking up for change
Watch a short film Impatient! by local disability and anti-violence advocate Sue Armstrong and hear a panel of local advocates speak up on how we can prevent violence against women and gender-diverse people with disabilities.
This special event is part of Council’s FestAble, Moonee Valley’s festival to celebrate diversity.
When: Sunday 27th November: 12:30PM -1:30PM
Where: Crown St Stables (Loft space)
Book your spot now
Content warning: The film and panel will discuss violence against women and gender diverse people with disabilities.
Event organised by Moonee Valley City Council
Flemington Family Fun Day: 16 Days of Activism
This festive afternoon event for the Flemington community will involve service provider stalls, kid’s activities, performances and food.
When: Wednesday 30th November: 1:30 – 5:30PM
Where: 126 Racecourse Rd, Picnic Area
Event organised independently of Council by Moonee Valley Legal Service
Inspiring Women: morning tea & chat
Acknowledge 16 Days of Activism this December with a morning tea and conversation about how we can make our community a better place for women and girls. This event is open to all people of genders, sexual orientations, ages, ethnicities and abilities, including men and boys.
When: Wednesday 7th December: 10 – 12PM
Where: Moonee Ponds Court House Museum (corner Kellaway Ave and Mt Alexander Rd)
Book your spot now: Inspiring Women: morning tea & chat | Moonee Valley Libraries (mvcc.vic.gov.au)
Event organised by Moonee Valley City Council
If you have any concerns about violence in your life, please know that you are not alone and help is available.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for police and ambulance
If you are not in immediate danger, you can reach out to these organisations:
1800 Respect is a national 24/7 hotline operated by trained counsellors for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Please call 1800 737 732.
Safe Steps helps people in Victoria who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing family violence. Call 1800 015 188 to contact them at any time, or you could try their live web chat service available 9am till midnight, Monday to Friday.
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence, and families who need extra support with the care of children. Visit The Orange Door website to find which of their fifteen locations across Victoria is closest to you.
Click here to easily search Safe and Equal for more services to meet your specific needs, such as Djirra for Aboriginal women, and InTouch for women of migrant and refugee backgrounds.
If you are using violence in your relationships, help is available to stop.
Consider reaching out to No to Violence if you have concerns about your behaviour. Respectful relationships support is also available from Relationships Australia, who you can reach on 1300 364 277. If you’re a man, you could also try the confidential Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, available 24/7.