South Gippsland says no to family violence

TRAFFIC came to a halt in Leongatha yesterday as over fifty people walked the streets to raise awareness and start conversations about gendered violence. 
95% of all victims of violence, regardless of gender, experience violence from a male perpetrator.
With Gippsland being overrepresented in gendered violence statistics compared to the rest of Victoria, the walkers wanted to send a message that South Gippsland says no to family violence.
Dressed in orange for the 16 Days of Activism the campaigners walked from the steps of the Memorial Hall up and down McCartin Street down to Bair Street and back to the steps. 
Newly elected Mayor for South Gippsland Shire Council, Clare Williams and CEO Kerryn Ellis led the way.
"We're highlighting that we're saying no to family violence and the 16 Days of Activism is to make people aware and think about the actions and what is happening around them, making sure they're aware and can call out different behaviours," said the Mayor. 
The walk is one of a range of events held across Gippsland as part of the United Nations international campaign. 
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence takes place each year from November 25 (International Day for The Elimination of Violence Against Women) until December 10 (International Human Rights Day).