Launched by activists during the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, this global campaign serves as a powerful organising tool for individuals and organisations to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and continues until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Community members are invited to stand up and speak out against family and domestic abuse at the annual ‘Shout No!’ event to raise awareness on the impact of domestic violence within our community.
The ‘Shout No!’ Domestic and Family Violence Awareness day will be held at the Place of Courage site on Murray Cods Drive, Sturt Reserve on Friday 29 November between 11am-1pm.
The day begins with a welcome for supporters, followed by an awareness raising march around Sturt Reserve, before returning to the Place of Courage for student-led activities and lunch.
Tim Law, Rural City of Murray Bridge Team Leader Library and Chair of the Murraylands Domestic Violence Awareness Group stated, “Family and gender based violence is not limited to a certain demographic, it can happen and does happen in any community. An event like this one brings to the forefront of people’s minds that changing the behaviours of perpetrators will take a whole of community effort”
Helen Mattick, The Haven Community Partner and Chair of the Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on Violence Against Women and Children stated, “Sadly, this year 55 women in Australia have died because of Family and Domestic Abuse (FDA) - that is just too many. As a community, FDA needs to be openly talked about. We need to talk about the causes of FDA, what FDA looks like and what WE need to do as a community to end Family and Domestic Abuse.”
“True change can only happen when we all take the time to learn about FDA and act on what we have learned. The 16 days of activism highlights the issue of FDA in our community and what WE can do as a community to support people living with or those that have lived experience of FDA.
While this important community issue feels hopeless and as if we don’t have any power to create change, I want people to know that we can change this story. I want people to know that we, as a community, can come together and show that Family and Domestic Abuse is never acceptable.”
“We can show people who are living with or who have lived experience of FDA that we see you, we are believing you and we are here to support you. Together we can create a community that is safe for everyone. If you need more information or support, please call 1800 respect on 1800 737 732” she said.
This event and other events during the 16 Days of Activism are proudly supported by the Rural City of Murray Bridge, the Murraylands Domestic Violence Awareness Group, Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on Violence Against Women and Children and The Haven.
For more information, contact Tim Law on 8539 1178.
Confidential information, counselling and support service 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
