16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that calls for an end to violence against women and girls.

The annual international campaign begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and concludes on Human Rights Day (10 December).

The campaign was started by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to provide a spotlight every year for campaigns working to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence.

Violence is often thought as a physical act causing physical harm. But for women and girls around the world, violence has many faces. It can be subtle and not easily recognised, but still deeply damaging.

According to the World Health Organization, gender-based violence is a global public health, gender equality and human rights priority affecting one in three women worldwide.

While violence affects women everywhere, women and girls in certain groups – such as those living with disability, adolescent girls and older women – often face even greater difficulty in having their voices heard and to access support.

Too often people respond to violence by blaming or shaming the victim – for instance, for what they wore or what they did, or because they belong to a particular group, or people hesitate to offer support because it takes place in ‘private’ or among people we know.

Northern Health recognises that family violence is a serious 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) Project Manager, says 16 Days of Activism is a time for everyone to reflect on gender inequality and social norms which excuse and exacerbate gender-based violence and bring an end to inequity, discrimination and abuse.

“Choosing to lead with respect in our relationships can ultimately prevent violence against women and girls,” she said.

“At Northern Health, Family Violence Training is mandatory for all staff members and volunteers.  The training has been uploaded to each staff member’s LMS Mandatory Learning Plan. Please ensure to complete the training and use the Family Violence Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient who is experiencing family violence.”

Northern Health encourages the community to get involved in the campaign by wearing something orange, visit the information display in the main foyer, and to call out any disrespectful behaviour.

The SHRFV team is also available to facilitate family violence training in a face-to-face capacity.  Please contact the SHRFV team if you would like to organise training in your area (8405 8519).

“We can all play a role in preventing gender-based violence in all its forms – so join us with leading with respect, and calling out discrimination,” Tanya said.

For further information, please click here.

Featured image L-R: Tanya Ellis SHRFV Project Manager and Regi McKinlay, Kilmore District Hospital.