Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the United Nations’ global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
16 Days is an opportune time to come together, raise awareness of the impacts of gendered violence and take action to prevent violence against women. The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
We know that family violence in Victoria is increasing and women are almost three times more likely to experience violence from a partner.
As a large health provider, the impact of family violence is significant. We have a responsibility to raise awareness of the impacts of family violence, educate our employees to recognise and know the steps to provide a safe space for those that need one.
Our focus throughout the 16 Days is to:
- promote respectful relationships across our community
- raise awareness and identify actions we can continue to take to support people impacted by family violence
- equip ourselves and our teams with the knowledge and skills we need to help those experiencing family violence
This year, there are a number of ways you can get involved in the 16 Days of Activism:
Online events
There are several online events, being run by various organisations, that you can register to attend. You can find more information, including dates and times here.
Monash Health Webinar (Wednesday 7 December, 2pm to 3pm)
Join us on Wednesday 7 December for an important discussion on ‘Respectful Relationships at work and home.’ We will be joined by Dr Naomi Pfitzner, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University and Dr Ashlee Linck, Gender Equity Lead, Monash Health. Our experts discuss what is required to build respectful relationships, the relationship between inequality and gendered violence, and explore the actions we can take to drive positive change.
Know how to respond to disrespect
The Monash Health family violence clinical guideline has been developed to help you understand, identify and respond to family violence. You can access the guideline on PROMPT.
Often, when dealing with a presentation of family violence, you may not know what to do next. Within the guideline, the team has included a useful flowchart. The flowchart outlines the steps you should take in the situation, including when it is appropriate to contact the Family Violence team for a secondary consultation.
Update your knowledge
There are education and training options that can support your role. These include:
- Family violence workplace response: supporting our employees
- Information sharing schemes – clinical education
- Family violence sensitive practice (victim survivor) – clinical education
- Family violence intermediate practice (victim survivor) – clinical education
Enrolments are available through LATTE.
Further support is available
We have resources and support available to ensure employees can identify, respond and provide advice to help keep people safe.
- Family Violence intranet page
- Family violence support | Monash Health
- Respectful Relationships and Family Violence | Monash Health COVID-19 Website
Alternatively, you can contact one of our family violence team members directly for further information and assistance.
Glenda Bawden – Principal Strategic Advisor Family Violence
Glenda.Bawden@monashhealth.org
Phone: 0484 674 894
Christine Power – Family Violence Project Manager
Christine.Power@monashhealth.org
Phone: 0466 826 120
Approved by: Jo Begbie