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A chalk drawing is taking shape at Hargreaves Mall as Bendigo prepares for White Ribbon Day.
Artist Ulla Taylor is drawing a baby elephant at the mall, near the playground, to raise awareness of family violence.
The artwork is intended to portray family violence as the elephant in the room, and to encourage people to make a stand.
The White Ribbon movement seeks to end men’s violence against women and girls, promote gender equality, healthy relationships, and a new vision of masculinity.
November 25 is White Ribbon Day.
Between 700 and 800 people participated in Bendigo’s Walk Against Violence last year.
This year’s event starts at noon at the Ulumbarra Theatre, with guest speakers Jenny Yates and Hugh Martin.
Ms Taylor said she chose to depict a baby elephant because of the drawing’s location, near a playground.
“I didn’t want anything too violent,” she said.
Women are at least three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner.
One in four Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
And every year, more than 300,000 women in Australia experience violence from someone other than a partner.
Violence is not only physical, with one in four Australian women having experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
If you are experiencing violence, phone 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.