What is the 16 Days of Activism Against gender Based Violence?
The 16 Days of Activism (16DOA) against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
What is Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed at an individual based on their biological sex OR gender identity. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life.
Why is this important?
Gender-based violence causes severe harm to families and communities. The designated 16 DOA provides an opportunity for the community to band together to reject violence and encourage conversations about preventing violence. The 16 DOA will explore the notion of respect, demonstrating the ways we can all shift and question misguided and outdated attitudes that allow gender prejudice to fester, creating a climate where violence is more likely to occur. Gender inequality has been identified as a key driver of gender-based violence. 'Change the story' is a national framework developed by Our Watch Australia. It's goal was to pool international research plus real stories from perpetrators and survivors of family violence to identify effective prevention strategies to end violence. To learn more about the Change The Story framework, visit Our Watch's website.
During the 16 Days of Activism we aim to address the drivers of Gender Based Violence
- Condoning of gender-based violence (making excuses)
- Control of decision-making and limits to a person’s independence.
- Rigid gender roles and stereotypes.
- Peer relationships that emphasise aggression and disrespect towards others based on their biological sex or gender identity.
What’s happening for the 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender Based Violence 2024?
If you would like to learn more about the 16 Days of Activism Activities in Latrobe, please contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700 and check out the activities happening across find more at Gippsland Women's Health.
Support Services
If you are experiencing a form of violence in your life, please know that there is support available.
| Safe Steps | 1800 015 188 | (24 hours per day, 7 days per week) for women and children who are victims of family violence. Web chat support service Monday to Friday 9am until midnight |
| 1800 RESPECT | 1800 737 732 | (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Web chat support service available 24 hours per day |
| Orange Door |
1800 319 354
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(Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm) for women and children who are victims of family violence. |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line | 1800 806 292 | (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for victims of sexual assault |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 | (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) a free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25 |
| Victims of Crime Helpline | 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 | (8am to 11pm, 7 days a week) for adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime |
| MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78 | (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns |