An orange police car driving around Bendigo is an eye-catching reminder of the existence of gender-based and family violence, its victims and the efforts of those trying to stop it.
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The car will be in Bendigo during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on Monday with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day.
Detective Sergeant Guy Menhennitt, the head of Bendigo's Family Violence Investigation Unit, said the car served as a way to create awareness of the issue.
It also represented the stance Victoria Police took against such violence, he said, and the resources it was putting into it.
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows police responded to 1465 family incidents in 2017-18, a rate of 1265.6 incidents per 100,000 people.
Detective Sergeant Menhennitt said he believed more people were becoming confident in speaking out about family violence.
He encouraged others who were experiencing such violence to tell someone, whether it be police, a friend or family member or another agency, as they would be helped.
"There is always hope, there is always a way out, and there are people to support you," Detective Sergeant Menhennitt said.
On Wednesday, those agencies involved in supporting victims and eliminating family violence will come together for the annual Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence showcase and walk.
This will include the launch of a new, bilingual resource about family violence aimed at the Karen community, Bendigo Health chief executive officer Peter Faulkner as guest speaker, and a space from 11am to 3pm where people can talk about gender equity and other related issues.
Sergeant Margaret Singe, chairwoman of Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence, said she believed there had been a "huge shift" since the initiative began in 2008.
Sergeant Singe said there there was once an attitude of 'what happens in the home, stays in the home', but both victims and witnesses to family violence were now more prepared to report it.
The Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence showcase begins in Sidney Myer Place at noon, with the walk to start at 12.30pm.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
