A colourful fibreglass elephant has been installed at Maryborough District Health Services in an effort to encourage discussions about family violence.
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"Change can only happen if the 'elephant in the room' can be named and talked about," Women's Health Loddon Mallee chief executive Tricia Currie said.
The elephant was developed by Gateway Health in Wodonga and reflects the experiences of women who have experienced violence.
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Women's Health Loddon Mallee supported the elephant's arrival in Maryborough, which coincided with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The global campaign started on Wednesday, which was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, which is Human Rights Day.
"These 16 Days of Activism are to call out that violence against women is prevalent and preventable," Ms Currie said.
Police in Central Goldfields shire attended 377 family violence incidents the 12 months to June.
Though the number of incidents was down by almost seven per cent compared with the 12 months prior, the rate per 100,000 people was roughly double the Victorian average.
Statewide, family violence incidents were up 6.5 per cent in the 12 months to June 2020. Police responded to 88,214 incidents throughout Victoria.
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Maryborough District Health social worker Tanya Miles was hopeful the 'Elephant in the Room' would make people think about the issues associated with family violence and encourage people to seek help if they needed it.
"It's so important to continue to have conversations about family violence to be able to name and recognise different types of violent and abusive behaviours, and to realise that any kind of abusive behaviour is not acceptable," Ms Miles said.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available from the 24-hour Safe Steps family violence response line on 1800 015 188.
Men concerned about their behaviour can contact No to Violence's Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If life is in danger, call 000.