November 25, 202416 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. This worldwide initiative begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and concludes on Human Rights Day (10 December).
The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or private life.” The World Health Organization recognises gender-based violence as a global public health and human rights priority.
Violence is often perceived as a physical act that causes physical harm. However, for women and girls worldwide, the violence they experience occurs in many forms. It can be subtle and not easily recognised, yet deeply damaging.
In Australia, one in three women experience violence, and on average one woman is killed by an intimate partner each week. Certain cohorts of women are at higher risk of experiencing violence and face additional barriers to accessing support and safety. These include:
- indigenous women
- women with a disability
- transgender women
- women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- adolescent girls and young women
- pregnant women.
Northern Health acknowledges that violence against women is a serious and prevalent health issue that can have a profound impact on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victim survivors.
Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager, says 16 Days of Activism is a time to reflect on gender inequality and social norms which tolerate and perpetuate gender-based violence. She emphasises the importance of ending inequity, discrimination and violence.
“Violence against women is an epidemic in Australia. However, it doesn’t have to be this way as violence against women is preventable. Throughout 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to unite as a community and work toward a future where all Victorians are equal, respected and safe.”
“In order to eliminate male violence toward women, we need to address the harmful attitudes and behaviours that drive this violence. Everyone has an important role to play. By working together, we can foster change by challenging harmful notions about gender and creating a future where all women live their lives free from violence.”
Northern Health encourages our community to get involved in the campaign by wearing something orange, visiting the information display in the main foyer, calling out disrespectful behaviour and having conversations about what constitutes healthy relationships.
For further information, please click here and to participate in various activities around Melbourne click here.
Featured image L-R: Tanya Ellis, SHRFV Program Manager, Sarah Wotherspoon, Social Worker, Alia Sayegh, Social Worker and Nik Rawat, Social Workers.
