Strong stance on tackling gender-based violence
BASS Coast Shire is proud to join colleagues across Gippsland – and the world – in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Also known as the 16 Days of Activism (16DoA), the annual event begins on November 25, International Day for...
BASS Coast Shire is proud to join colleagues across Gippsland – and the world – in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Also known as the 16 Days of Activism (16DoA), the annual event begins on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ending on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Supported by the United Nations globally through the Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative, locally Bass Coast Shire Council have joined Let’s Chat Gippsland, a community campaign addressing the distinct issues in our area.
2022 is the first year that Gippsland communities are collectively celebrating the 16 Days of Activism.
Violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide.
Already heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, its prevalence is now further increased by the intersecting crises of climate change, global conflict and economic instability.
Sadly, in Gippsland, the community is not safe for everyone.
Victoria Police respond to a family violence call-out every 2 minutes, according to Crime Statistics Agency data from March 2021 to March 2022.
In Bass Coast, there was 845 reported incidents during this period, averaging one incident every 9.8 hours.
This translates to 17.2 incidents a week and 74.6 a month.
With 2509 incidents reported per 100,000 people, Bass Coast are positioned at 12th worst of 79 local government authorities in the state.
The theme for Let’s Chat Gippsland is conversations to create change, which reminds us that social and behavioural change starts with communication.
This 16 Days, Council encourages everyone to start an important dialogue about gender equality and respect in relationships – you’re your family, friends, colleagues, students or neighbours.
The community is invited to:
- Challenge the condoning (excusing or tolerating) of violence against women.
- Promote women’s independence and decision making
- Challenge gender stereotypes and roles
- Strengthen positive, equal, and respectful relationships
- Normalise gender equality in public and private life
“Our gender-based violence levels are 25 per cent above the state average: that's not acceptable,” said Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Michael Whelan.
“Women and girls have the right to be safe in our community. These 16 Days of Activism will really focus us on that, to guide what we do throughout the year.”
“Violence against women can be prevented - the tools and the knowledge to do so already exist.” added Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Ali Wastie.
“The first step is having difficult but vital conversations about this issue and what we can do. The big focus of Let’s Chat Gippsland is to start those discussions. We must call out behaviours that are unacceptable, whether in our workplace, our community, or the family home.”
To enable action, Bass Coast Shire is fortunate to be successful recipients of Victorian State Government Free From Violence Local Government Program funding.
This program will set the primary prevention actions for our organisation over the next 3 years.
The shire now has a dedicated Project Officer, who will drive the program with the first 12 months focussing on building capacity of their team members through training and development initiatives, partnering with other local organisations and service providers, and building our communications in the prevention space.
For advice, events, tip sheets and more go to 16daysgippsland.com.au and #LetsChatGippsland on social.
