The Minister for Prevention of Family Violence has officially launched a new campaign encouraging Victorians to unpack what respect means to them and to take a stand against family violence.
The Minister, Gabrielle Williams, said the Respect Women: Call It Out (Respect Is) campaign is being run across TV, radio, print and digital media – and was also being promoted in six translated languages.
Ms Williams said the Respect Victoria campaign asked Victorians to define what respect was to them, what it looked like in their lives and why respect meant calling bad behaviour out – on social media, the tags to use are #RespectIs #16DaysCampaign and #CallItOut.
She said all 79 Victorian Councils had signed up for the campaign as well as 18 non-Government organisations, to show their support.
“This latest campaign illustrates the importance of leading with respect and equality in all relationships,” Ms Williams said.
“This is how we drive down family violence – and how we acknowledge the role each of us must play.”
She said the campaign coincided with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from Wednesday of this week (25 November) – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – to Thursday, 10 December or Human Rights Day.
“In 2020, the impact of family violence remains pervasive – and coronavirus has heightened the risk of violence in the home,” Ms Williams said.
“Between April and June, national support service 1800 RESPECT saw a 66 per cent increase in calls compared to the same period last year.”
She said the Government was pushing ahead with its reforms, having directed more than $2.9 billion to implement all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
“That work is now two-thirds complete,” she said.
People experiencing family violence are advised to contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188, [email protected] or by webchat at safesteps.org.au/chat.
A Men’s Referral Service is also available on 1300 766 491 to assist those who may think they need help.
