Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson today announced the inaugural Victoria Against Violence education and prevention awareness campaign.
The campaign, commencing on 25 November this year, will run for 16 days and seek to turn Victoria’s attention to the devastating impact that family violence has on the lives of so many.
The community-based initiative is timed to coincide with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, which begins on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November 2015) and concludes on International Human Rights Day (10 December 2015).
The 16 days of Victoria Against Violence will provide a number of platforms for family violence victims to be heard by the community and Members of Parliament. It will engage and educate the wider community about the link between family violence and gender inequality.
A range of events will be held across Victoria by women’s health organisations, councils and community groups to encourage further awareness, engagement and participation.
As part of the campaign, Parliament House and other landmarks will also “go orange” – the colour designated by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign.
Community members and groups are encouraged to visit the Victoria Against Violence online calendar for information about events taking place across the state. The calendar can be viewed at
The Andrews Labor Government is allocating $115,000 to the Women’s Health Association of Victoria and family violence regional integration committees to conduct events during Victoria Against Violence.
The Labor Government has established Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence. The Commission will report back to the Government in February 2016.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson
“The Victoria Against Violence initiative is an important step towards ensuring that there is a greater awareness of the need to prevent family violence from occurring in our community.”
“Family violence and gender inequality are intrinsically linked. Victoria Against Violence is a great way to highlight where inequality exists and promote the importance of equality as a way to prevent gendered violence.”
“This year, 76 women have tragically lost their lives as a result of violence. It’s important as a society to reflect on that terrible loss and how we must do more to keep women and children safe.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020