THE beautiful green of Bendigo's Conservatory Gardens were accented with orange and white decorations on Thursday morning in a display calling to end violence against women and marking the first day of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
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Organised by the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence committee the display was just one of several events hosted on Thursday - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - advocating and educating people to end gender-based violence.
The display called for respect echoing the theme of this year's campaign Respect women: call it out.
Alongside the display, the committee were handing out merchandise - hats, wristbands and stickers - raising awareness and spreading that message.
They were also encouraging passersby to share what they think respect means, by writing it on a paper leaf and securing it to the respect tree they had set up.
"The 16 Days of Activism provides an opportunity for community to come together virtually, hear from local agencies and demonstrate their support," committee chair Margaret Singe said.
"We will have these pop-up stalls over the 16 days, in shopping centers, at the lake and such."
While she has been involved with the committee for the last 13 years - working with a number of schools, sporting clubs and community groups - Ms Singe has spent a lot longer - poured her blood, sweat and tears into - working to end domestic violence.
"I started off in the police force and I was a family violence liaison in the police force," she said.
"As part of my role, I was doing community engagement and this was a perfect opportunity to [continue] that.
"I retired last year and continued this role as chairperson now."
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Ms Singe said the 16 Days of Activism campaign was a great way for the community to come together and raise awareness to eliminate gender-based violence.
"I think the community can come together and show support to victims and survivors out there," she said.
"People now know through awareness whatever happens in the home, doesn't need to stay in the home and anyone can report it."
Seeking help
If you or someone you know needs support for domestic, family and sexual violence, contact:
- The 24-hour statewide Safe Steps family violence crisis response line - 1800 015 188
- The Sexual Assault Crisis Line - 1800 806 292
- Men's Referral Service - 1300 766 491
- The Centre for Non-Violence - 1800 884 292
- CASA Central Victoria - 5441 0430
In an emergency, phone 000.
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