16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

16 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.

In Australia, one in three women experience violence, and on average one woman per week is killed by an intimate partner.

Gender inequality is the primary driver of violence against women. Violence against women and girls is a manifestation of inequality and discrimination based on gender, race and other power imbalances. Women in Australia continue to be disproportionately impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.

While violence affects women everywhere, women are more at risk of experiencing violence by a family member and in their own homes. Family violence is a pervasive and serious health issue that causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities. It is prevalent and affects people across the lifespan and has a profound impact on the physical and psychological health of victim survivors.

Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager, says that family violence does not discriminate, and during the campaign, it is important to highlight that our staff members and volunteers can also experience violence in their personal lives.

“Family violence is an epidemic and research indicates that female clinicians working in the public health sector are at higher risk of experiencing family violence compared to the general population.”

“Northern Health receives multiple family violence disclosures from our staff members each week. This issue can impact the affected staff member and others in the workplace in several ways including; risks to safety, disrupted work, decreased concentration, absenteeism and even resignation. It is recognised that a supportive workplace and remaining connected to employment are significant protective factors in mitigating risk.”

The SHRFV Team and the OHS & Wellbeing Team have worked together to establish the Family Violence Workplace Support Program. The program is designed to identify, respond to and support our staff members at risk of family violence.

Family Violence Contact Officers (FVCOs) have been implemented in People & Culture. FVCOs are designated senior staff members specifically trained to identify and respond to family violence in the workplace. They also provide guidance and consultation to Managers in their roles. FVCOs can be contacted on 8405 8034 or via email: nh–familyviolencecontactofficer@nh.org.au.

Northern Health is committed to providing a workplace in which violence is not tolerated or excused. We aim to play an important role in the prevention of violence against women through providing a safe, equitable and respectful workplace. We are committed to supporting our staff members and to providing a workplace environment that is safe to make a disclosure and receive support and access to safety.

Staff members are encouraged to disclose to their Manager, a FVCO or the SHRFV Program and seek workplace support entitlements including; workplace safety planning, family violence leave and referrals to specialist services.

Northern Health encourages our community to get involved in the campaign by wearing something orange, calling out disrespectful behaviour and have conversations about what constitutes healthy relationships.

The SHRFV Program is available to provide specialist consultation and facilitate family violence education. Please contact the SHRFV Program if you would like to organise training in your area (8405 8519).

For further information, please click here and to participate in in various activities around Melbourne click here.

Featured image: Graham Wilson, OHS Director and Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager.