International Women's Day.
We caught up with a diverse range of local women to find out how they are working to promote gender equity and challenge gender roles across the peninsula. View the video below.
Violence against women and their children is recognised as a serious and widespread problem in Australia, with enormous individual and community impacts and social costs.
This social issue can be prevented by shifting the way we think about and behave in relation to gender and violence. The Shire has a long-standing commitment to working in partnership to address the gendered drivers of family violence in our community by supporting efforts in:
- Challenging condoning of violence against women
- Promoting women’s independence and decision-making
- Challenging gender stereotypes and roles
- Strengthening positive, equal and respectful relationships
This approach aligns with national, state and regional approaches aimed at addressing at reducing these alarming statistics:
- On average, at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner in Australia.
- One in three Australian women has experienced physical violence, since the age of 15.
- One in five Australian women has experienced sexual violence.
- One in four Australian women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
- Women are five times more likely than men to require medical attention or hospitalisation as a result of intimate partner violence, and five times more likely to report fearing for their lives.
- Eight out of ten women aged 18 to 24 were harassed on the street in the past year.
- There is growing evidence that women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience violence at higher rates than non-Indigenous women.
Source: www.ourwatch.org.au
In May 2015, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council adopted the Mornington Peninsula Shire Prevention of Family Violence Implementation Plan 2015-2018 to promote the prevention of family violence within its community. The document demonstrates the Shire’s commitment to the promotion of family violence prevention through a three-year plan that recognises family violence as a key social and health issue which requires advocacy, collaboration and resourcing.
Download: Mornington Peninsula Shire's Prevention of Family Violence Implementation Plan 2015 - 2018(PDF, 505KB)
Never Alone Campaign
Never Alone is a campaign by the Luke Batty Foundation. It aims to stand with the women and children affected by family violence so that they are supported in the community and have a powerful voice in the corridors of power. For more information, and to add your voice to the movement, visit: http://www.neveralone.com.au/
The Shire is committed to promoting a culture of community harmony, wellbeing and a sense of safety and belonging. It is well positioned to take a leadership role on this important community issue, and will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders including networks, service providers, advocates and our community to progress work in the area of family violence prevention and to foster an environment where we can all make a difference.
The Shire’s Statement of Commitment for the Prevention of Family Violence reaffirms its broader commitment to the prevention of family violence in the Mornington Peninsula and builds on existing work in support of the Shire’s Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021. The Statement highlights the Shire’s commitment to ensuring that:
- The local community is a safe place where everyone acts to eliminate violence in all its forms;
- Relationships between all members of the community are respectful and promote the rights of men, women and children to live free from violence;
- Women, men and children have the opportunity to participate equally in all spheres of public and private life without fear or discrimination.
- Awareness is increased about family violence as a key social and health issue
Download: Family Violence Posters(PDF, 13MB)
Intimidating, violent behaviour within the home has profound effects on the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. The economic, social and health consequences of family violence are severe for individuals, families and communities [Vichealth 2004].
If you are in immediate danger contact Victoria Police on 000
The following organisations offer support and counselling services via telephone, online and in person:
- National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service (24/7): 1800 737 732
- Kids Helpline for young people 5 to 25 years (24/7): 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue mental health support service (24/7): 1300 224 636
- National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (for reporting): (02) 8073 3300
- Ask Someone (24/7): www.asksomeone.org
- Men’s Line for Australian men (24/7): 1300 789 978
- Men’s Referral Service for Australian men: 1300 766 491
Elder Abuse is the mistreatment of an older person, committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust; such as a partner, family member, friend or carer. It may be physical, sexual, social, financial or psychological and can include mistreatment and neglect. Sometimes family, friends and carers may not realise their actions amount to Elder Abuse.
Elder Abuse is a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world, approximately 5% of older Australians. The real number of people suffering Elder Abuse may be high but it is perhaps the last taboo and an often hidden problem, widely unrecognized and grossly under reported around the globe. Elder Abuse not only affects the person directly impacted, but also the wider community.
If you or someone you know is suffering Elder Abuse please phone Seniors Rights Victoria, on 1300 368 821
The following organisations lead and support coordinated prevention efforts at national, state and regional levels: