The 25 November is the 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 of Activism provides the opportunity to reflect and change the story, to one where we are all safe, equal and respected.
On average, a woman in Australia is killed by a man they know every 10 days and in the last month, we have seen six women’s lives cut short by violence within a 10-day period.
Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer says, “we are at the frontline and see the significant impact of family violence.
Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to build our ability to identify and respond to family violence and know the steps to provide a safe space for those who need one.”
Our focus during the next 16 Days is to:
- raise awareness and promote respectful relationships across our networks and community
- raise awareness of workplace culture and how we can work to improve gender equality
- raise awareness and identify actions we can continue to make to support family violence victims
Let’s change the story on… gender equality
Achieving gender equality across all facets of our society is necessary for preventing and ultimately ending family and gender-based violence. While Australia’s global ranking for gender equality has been in decline, at Monash Health, we continue to work to cultivate an inclusive, gender-equal workforce with the introduction of our new flexible working procedure.
It is crucial that we continue to build workforce knowledge and skills in our pursuit of preventing all forms of family and gender-based violence.
Let’s change the story… how to get involved
There are many ways you can get involved, with several events held during the 16 Days. You can attend one of the 16 Days events listed or join our online event (details below).
Monash Health online event: Understanding the role of culture in identifying and responding to family violence (Wednesday 6 December, 2pm to 3pm)
Join us on Wednesday 6 December as we welcome guest speaker Anu Krishnan, Founder and CEO of Kulturbrille. Anu will delve into the impact of culture on identifying and responding to family violence, and she will articulate strategies for moving towards a future where everyone’s perspective is culturally aligned, fostering a responsive, inclusive, and adaptable environment.
Other ways to get involved:
- Update your knowledge and complete your family violence training on Latte
- Enhance your understanding by reading the Family Violence Practice Changes
- Join one of the walks against violence – visit our event listing for more details
- Safe and Equal Community events
Each of us deserves the opportunity to experience and express healthy and equitable attitudes towards gender and feel supported in our workplace to just be ourselves.
Let’s change the story this 16 Days and support healthy relationships where we all feel safe, respected and equal.
Download a copy of our Family violence services list or speak to 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