Prevention of family violence

16Days of Activism

In our community we all deserve to feel safe, equal and respected. Sometimes, however, people say or do things without realising they contribute to the harm of others. This 16Days we encourage everyone to find how they can be involved and contribute towards fostering a supportive, safe and respectful community built on equality and respect.

Each year Council is proud to support the 16Days of Activism campaign for the prevention of family violence which runs from 25 November through until 10 December.

This 16Days here are some ways we can all support equality and respect and get involved:

• Attend children’s storytime and colouring sessions at our Libraries during 16Days.
• See our book displays in Libraries with a huge range of titles supporting equality, respect and the prevention of family violence.
• Try a new book and download a 16Days booklist(PDF, 1MB) with suggested reading titles for kids and teens and adults
• Download these children’s colouring sheets to use with your own children and post your art tagging #16days4kids.
• Attend the Roll for Respect event on Saturday 2 December to enjoy entertainment, guest speakers, free food and refreshments and watch a live Roller Derby exhibition match.
• See our footpath sticker decals around Kingston, including at some of our sporting clubs. Find out more to start a conversation with your friends about what respect & equality mean to you.
• Download & print A future free from violence starts with equality and respect posters for your workplace or club.
• Photograph our Moorabbin Town Hall clock tower lit up orange for the 16Days campaign and share on your socials how you support respect and equality.
• Participate in the Walk Against Family Violence with your friends and family in Melbourne CBD on Friday 24 November at 11am #WAFV2023. 

What is family violence?

Family violence includes a range of behaviours used to control the victim. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, cultural background, education, sexuality or ability.

Family violence is widespread, serious and preventable.

Preventing family violence is everyone’s responsibility.

Local government plays a role by influencing social structures, norms and practices that promote respect and challenge the use of violence and discrimination.

We are committed to a vision for our community as a safe, respectful and supportive place for all to live, work and play - free from all forms of inequality and violence.

Through a coordinated approach, strong leadership and collaborative partnerships we are working together to prevent family violence and promote gender equality by:

• challenging gender stereotypes and roles
• strengthening positive, equal and respectful relationship
• challenging condoning of violence against women
• promoting women’s independence and decision-making

Our priority actions

Our Year 3 Action Plan for Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) 2021-2025 sets out 10 priority actions to be delivered across Council, with community and local partners.

These aim to help stop violence before it starts, intervene early and support people experience family violence through initiatives including:

1. Advocacy
2. Awareness-raising and education
3. Communications and promotion
4. Community strengthening and partnerships
5. Research, evaluation and monitoring
6. Service delivery and planning
7. Council leadership, organisational and workforce development.

Promoting equality and respect 

A range of resources are available in English and other languages to promote equality and respect. Developed with the Kingston Family Violence Working Group, these can be promoted across your workplace, sporting club, community club or organisation, social media campaigns and more. 

For hardcopies, please contact our Social Policy and Planning Officer 1300 653 356 or community@kingston.vic.gov.au.

More information

For further information or if interested in helping to lead change in our community, please contact our Social Policy and Planning Officer on 1300 653 356 or community@kingston.vic.gov.au.

Help and support services

Help is available if you or someone you know is experiencing family violence.

Call 000 if you are in danger now.

1800 RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
1800 737 732 (24 hours)

The Orange Door, Bayside Peninsula
Local Support and Safety Hub for families experiencing family violence
1800 319 353 (9am to 5pm weekdays)

Safesteps: Family Violence Response Centre
Crisis support and referral to safe accommodation
1800 015 188 (24 hours)