16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to end gender-based violence and promote gender equity. This global campaign takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). 

The campaign raises awareness about the impacts violence against women have on their physical, psychological, social, sexual, financial and spiritual well-being.

While family violence is experienced by both men and women and people of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities, it’s clear men and women do not assault each other at equal rates or with equal effect. Around 95 per cent of violence, whether women or men, experience violence from a male perpetrator. Experiences of violence are also gendered, with men subjected to violence mostly from men in public space, and intimate partner violence happens more often to females from men they know in their own home. Women are also far more likely than men to experience sexual violence and violence from an intimate partner, and with more severe impacts. 

Regardless of gender, violence against anyone is unacceptable. As a community, we must address the underlying cause of violence against women – gender inequality.

We are calling on the community of Manningham to join us to promote, advance and champion the human rights of women and girls. 

What can you do?

This year's theme is #HearMeToo, which features the voices of family violence. By hearing the powerful stories, we learn about the impacts of violence and what we can do to prevent gender-based violence.

You can get involved and learn more about this campaign in a number of ways:

• Follow us on social media to learn more about 16 Days of Activism. Remember to also share this among your networks.
• If you have children aged two to five, visit storytimes at Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, where we share stories that present both boys and girls with the message that their futures are not limited or predetermined by their gender. 
• Promote equal and respectful relationships between men and women and build cultures of respect and non-violence. This can be done by:
  • Challenging the justification and disregard of violence against women.
  • Promote women’s independence and decision making.
  • Challenge gender stereotypes and roles.
  • Strengthen positive, equal and respectful relationships. 

Help and advice

If you are experiencing family violence, please know there are organisations that can offer support. 

• National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence hotline – 1800RESPECT (1800 015 188) 
• Lifeline 13 11 14 
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – 1800 015 188
• Doncare 9856 1500
• Eastern Domestic Violence Service 9259 4200
• Victims of Crime Helpline – 1800 819 817
• Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
• Switchboard Victoria – 1800 184 527
• Parentline – 13 22 89