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Victorians urged to walk as one against family violence
Media Release
Thursday 14 November 2019
Media Release
Friday 22 November 2019
Victoria’s frontline services unite against family violence.
The 11th annual Walk Against Family Violence (WAFV) will see Victoria’s frontline family violence organisations take a collective stand against family violence.
Acting CEO of Domestic Violence Victoria, Alison Macdonald said the WAFV was an opportunity for organisations in our sector to come together and demonstrate their commitment to ending family violence.
“Every year, the walk reminds us just how strong we are as a community and how our voices really can make a difference,” she said.
The Walk Against Family Violence coincides with the United Nation’s Annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – an international campaign galvanising action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
CEO of Respect Victoria, Tracey Gaudry said the 2016 Royal Commission on Family Violence set out a comprehensive reform agenda to curb family violence in Victoria.
“Events like the Walk Against Family Violence make it possible for the community to be actively engaged and passionate about realising a Victoria that is free from violence,’ she said.
No to Violence CEO Jacqui Watt said the walk provided an opportunity for men to join women and children in solidarity and have their voices heard, while safe steps CEO Rita Butera acknowledged the important work of police and emergency services:
“They play a key role in responding to family violence and violence against women, and this year we are thrilled that a police car, fire truck, and ambulance will represent the campaign colour of orange as ambassador vehicles in support of the Walk Against Family Violence,” Ms Butera said.
Australia is in the middle of a family violence epidemic. Statistics show that on average, one woman a week is killed by a current or former partner in Australia.
CEOofEmerge Women & Children’s Support Network, Paula Westwood said that the Walk Against Family Violence provided an opportunity for victim survivors to tell their stories.
The walk has been organised by safe steps, in partnership with Respect Victoria, Melbourne City Council, Emerge Women & Children’s Support Network, No to Violence, and Domestic Violence Victoria, with the support of the Victorian Police and emergency services including the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Ambulance Victoria, and the SES.
Details of the Walk Against Family Violence are listed below:
| Date | Monday 25 November 2019 |
| Time | 12pm – 1.30pm |
| Location | Official proceedings commence at the Main Stage at Federation Square, corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets. |
Media Contact
GM Communications and Partnerships Marijana Andonovski:
Marijana.a@safesteps.org.au or 0488 069 802.
Interview opportunities:
- CEO Respect Victoria Tracey Gaudry
- CEO safe steps Rita Butera
If you or someone you care about is experiencing or is impacted by family violence, please call safe steps Family Violence Response Centre 24/7 on 1800 015 188 for support.
WAFV Working Group
- safe steps – lead Organisation
- Respect Victoria – Principle Partner
- City of Melbourne – Bronze Sponsor
- No to Violence
- Domestic Violence Victoria
- Emerge Women & Children’s Support Network
The streets of Melbourne’s CBD will be coloured orange with Victorians from all walks of life uniting against family violence on Monday 25 November 2019.
The 11th annual Walk Against Family Violence (WAFV) will see thousands downing their pens and tools to take a collective stand against family violence.
Intimate partner violence is the greatest health risk factor for women in their reproductive years and on average, one woman a week is murdered by a current or former partner. Thousands more are injured or made to live in fear. (1)
The Walk Against Family Violence will commence at 12 noon at Federation Square, with Rosie Batty AO hosting formalities, the official opening by The Hon. Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, and addresses by Victorian Police Assistant Commissioner – Family Violence Command Dean McWhirter, and a safe steps Survivor Advocate.
The walk has been organised by safe steps, in partnership with Respect Victoria, Melbourne City Council, Emerge Women & Children’s Support Network, No to Violence, and Domestic Violence Victoria, with the support of the Victorian Police and emergency services.
“Police and emergency services play a key role in responding to family violence and violence against women, and this year we are thrilled that a police car, fire truck and ambulance will represent the campaign colour of orange as ambassador vehicles in support of the Walk Against Family Violence,” said safe steps CEO Rita Butera.
The Walk Against Family Violence coincides with the United Nation’s Annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – an international campaign galvanising action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
(1) Our Watch, Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and VicHealth (2015) Change the story: A shared framework for the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia, Our Watch, Melbourne, Australia. P 7.
“Women are significantly more likely to experience violence by a partner, sexual assault and sexual harassment at work or in public spaces than men. This is significant because this includes forms of violence and harassment perpetrated in and outside of the home,” said Ms Butera.
Details of the Walk Against Family Violence are listed below:
Date: Monday 25 November 2019
Time: 12noon – 1.30pm
Location: Official proceedings commence at the Main Stage at Federation Square, corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.
REGISTER: https://cutt.ly/WAFV-Registration
If you or someone you care about is experiencing or is impacted by family violence, please call safe steps Family Violence Response Centre 24/7 on 1800 015 188 for support.
CONTACT
GM Communications and Partnerships
Marijana Andonovski:
Marijana.a@safesteps.org.au or 0488 069 802
WAFV Working Group
safe steps – Lead Organisation
Respect Victoria – Principal Partner
City of Melbourne – Bronze Sponsor
No to Violence
Domestic Violence Victoria
Emerge Women & Children’s Support Network
