Raising awareness for gender based violence in macedon

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign commencing on the 25th of November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, concluding on the 10th December – Human Rights Day.

The campaign aims to raise awareness at local, national and international levels regarding gendered violence and the important role we all have to play in ending it.

Victoria is the leading jurisdiction in the prevention of family violence in Australia and the campaign continues to be an important event across the Macedon electorate.

Today, Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas visited the Centre for Non-Violence (CNV) at their Kyneton Hub, to raise awareness of the services that are available locally and to lend her support for the 16 Days of Activism.

The CNV Hub is located at Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. CNV works closely with The Orange Door, a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. The Orange Door is available to those living in the Macedon Ranges.

We know that violence against women and girls starts with a lack of respect for women and girls. Ms Thomas is encouraging locals to join her Respect is …. Initiative by taking a photo of themselves and their friends, holding up an answer to the question "To me, Respect is…". Photos can be emailed to mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au to help create an artwork to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism.

The Andrews Labor Government is proudly leading the nation in its commitment to ending family violence, with more than $3.5 billion invested so far into reforming the family violence system. We are implementing every single one of the 227 recommendations that emerged from the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, and we have already implemented 204.

Work is well underway on acquitting the remaining 23 recommendations. Across prevention, early intervention and response – we’re committed to implementing the systemic and cultural change needed to address the drivers of violence.

Family and gendered violence affects all communities. And while we come far, we know we still have a way to go. We each have a role to play in ending violence in our state and, through this campaign, our resolve is only strengthened.

Quotes attributable Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Congratulations to the local organisations, service clubs and local governments who are supporting the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism to end gendered violence.’

"The Andrews Government is proud to support the Centre for Non-Violence deliver their important services here in Kyneton. I can assure our community that trusted, confidential and free family violence services are available locally."

“I am proud to live in a community that supports women and families to live in safety’."