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Throughout the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we have heard creating change will take a whole-of-community effort.
But how, some might ask, do we go about it?
Peak prevention agency Our Watch has launched a toolkit for community-based prevention of violence against women and their children.
Chief executive officer Mary Barry said the evidence-based resource was developed with communities, for communities.
“Community-based organisations are well placed and eager to prevent violence against women in their setting; this resource will give them the information and skills to get started,” Ms Barry said.
“The approach encourages people to think about their role in the community and what they can do to prevent violence, and then supports them to make a tangible difference in their local environment.”
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The toolkit highlights the causes of violence against women and children, including gender inequality, rigid gender stereotypes, and attitudes that foster or excuse abuse.
“All women and children, regardless of cultural identity, ethnicity, religion or language have the right to live without the fear or reality of violence,” Ms Barry said.
“I encourage all communities to utilise this resource as it is transferable across a wide range of settings where people live, work, learn and play.”
Central Victorian local governments, including the City of Greater Bendigo, are party to a regional action plan dedicated to the prevention of violence against women.
The region is also home to numerous grassroots initiatives tacking family and domestic violence.
Community-based prevention of violence against women and their children: A toolkit for practitioners can be downloaded from the Our Watch website: www.ourwatch.org.au
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.