16 Days of Activism in Moonee Valley 2024

We believe that everyone deserves to live free from violence. As a city, we’re calling for all people who live, work, and play in Moonee Valley to ‘Step Up’ against gender-based violence.

Violence is a violation of human rights and is unacceptable in all its forms. 

Gender-based violence is a serious and prevalent form of violence in our community, but the good news is it is preventable, and everyone has a role to play in preventing it. 

 

 About 16 Days of Activism

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.   

 

 Events in Moonee Valley

Council is proud to join this campaign and encourages the community to get involved to show your solidarity for this important cause. Join us for a series of free events to help ‘Step up’ against gender-based violence. 

 

Gather Against Family Violence at the Clocktower Centre 

Join our gathering against family violence at the Clocktower Centre on Wednesday 27th November to help create a future where we are all safe, equal and respected.  

This event marks the beginning of Council’s actions for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Join us as we walk through Queens Park, hear from guest speakers, and enjoy refreshments afterwards. Everyone is welcome.  A light lunch will also be available.

When: Wednesday, 27th November 11.30am-1pm 

Where: Queens Park (event begins at the Sound Stage)  

Register to the gathering via Eventbrite

 

Violence Prevention Community Workshop

Make change where you are! Come together with other community members to learn practical tips from GenWest about how to prevent and respond to family violence and other forms of gender-based violence in all the spaces you live, work and play: whether that be schools, local sports clubs, or local businesses. We all have a part we can play.

When: Tuesday, 3rd December, 6pm-9pm 

Where: Burley Griffin Community Centre 

Register to the workshop via Eventbrite 

 

Author talk: Daniel & Luke Mancuso – Yiayia Next Door 

 When Daniel and Luke Mancuso lost their beloved mother Teresa to domestic violence, the Greek grandmother next door stepped in and started looking after them, passing home-cooked meals over the fence. After their story went viral on social media, Daniel and Luke published a book of Yiayia’s recipes. They will be joined in conversation with author and speaker Ruth Clare. This is a free event  

When: Monday, 25 November, 6pm-7.30pm 

Where: Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre 

Register to the author talk via Moonee Valley Libraries 

 

Support resources

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.  
• 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.