Prevention of violence against women

The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign to end gender-based violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December. 

Council is proud to support Respect Victoria, Safe + Equal, Safe Steps and community organisations throughout the shire to deliver on the 16 Days of Activism and the state-wide Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign.

Each year, there are a range of events across the shire to encourage community conversation, awareness, skills building and action.

Details are published on the 16 Days events page closer to November.

Residents are also encouraged to follow Council’s Facebook and Instagram pages, engage in active conversations with their friends and loved ones, and share Council’s 16 Days posts within their own social media networks. 

Our commitment

Council is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful community.

Our role

Council recognises that violence against women harms the entire community. As a large employer and through its role in delivering close to 100 services in the community, Council engages with many individuals, families and organisations. Council is ideally placed to promote prevention of violence against women and children.

Our aim is to prevent violence before it occurs. Strategies include addressing the underlying causes of violence against women such as gender inequality; beliefs in rigid gender roles and stereotypes; and behaviours that contribute to, or condone, violence such as sexist jokes, victim blaming or underplaying the seriousness of violence against women.

As part of our commitment to preventing violence against women we annually coordinate awareness raising activities for White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism. We have also included a Family Violence Clause in our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement and provided training to staff and Councillors on how to identify and discourage sexist and other disrespectful behaviour at work, home or elsewhere in the community.

We support the following principles

• All women have the right to safe and respectful relationships and to live free from violence
• All members of the community are responsible for taking action to prevent violence against women and for developing a culture of respect and equity
• All men have an important role to play in preventing violence against women
• All women and men have the right to opportunities for equal participation in public and private life.

We will

• Demonstrate leadership in prevention of violence against women
• Raise employee and community awareness of the causes and consequences of violence against women
• Provide an inclusive and equitable working environment
• Provide information to staff about ways they can prevent violence against women
• Advocate for gender equity in planning, decision-making and service delivery across Council.

This page provides information on where to seek help if you are experiencing or at risk of family violence, or if you have concerns about your own behaviour.

Please note this page does not have a quick exit button.

For all emergencies call Victoria Police on triple zero (000)

General supports

• Safe Steps: A confidential and supportive family violence response line for Victoria. You can access help 24/7 by calling Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or by visiting the Safe Steps website.
• Orange Door: Family violence support and safety hubs. To find you nearest location, visit the Orange Door website or call 1800 319 355
• 1800 Respect: The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Phone and online services available 24/7. 1800respect.org.au or 1800 737 732.
• Sunbury Cobaw Community Health: Counselling and housing support to women and children living in Macedon Ranges who are experiencing family violence. Call 5421 1666 (business hours only) or visit their website here.
• Hospital - Kyneton Health: Call 5422 9900

Specialist support services

• Support for women: Centre for Non-Violence (03) 5430 3000 or visit  the Centre for Non-Violence webpage.
• Support for children: Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Support for LGBTIQA+ community: Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline providing information, support and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family. 1800 729 367 or visit the Rainbow Door website.
• Support for First Nations communities: Djirra is a culturally safe place where culture is celebrated, and practical support is available. Call 1800 105 303 or visit the Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services website.
• Support for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities: Intouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence is a specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families and their communities. Call 1800 755 988 or visit the InTouch website.
• Support for Seniors: Seniors Rights Victoria provides information and advice to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights of older people. Call 1300 368 821.
• Support for Men: MensLine provides professional support and information for Australian men. Phone 1300 78 99 78 or visit their website here.

If you are worried your behaviour might be harming your partner or family members, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to speak to a specialist counsellor or visit their website.

In 2015, Council developed an action plan for Prevention of Violence Against Women in Emergencies in partnership with emergency management agencies. This was the first plan of its kind at a municipal level in Victoria.

In March 2016, four and a half months after the Cobaw-Lancefield fires, the Prevention of Violence Against Women in Emergencies subcommittee conducted a survey to learn about people's experiences and observations during and after the fires to identify the potentially different ways women and men might be impacted. View the survey results or survey results.  

In 2017/18, Council developed and produced the 'disaster is no excuse for family violence...' suite of materials with the aim to raise awareness of the probability of increased family violence after natural disasters and to provide information on where people can find help and support. These materials will be used after an emergency in relief and recovery centres, and other locations in the affected district. View these materials.