Walk to Change the Story

    What is Walk to Change the Story?

    Since 2018, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) has proudly led the annual ‘Walk to Change the Story’ to raise awareness of the impact of Family Violence perpetrated against women and children in East Gippsland and the support services available for those impacted.

    Walk to Change the Story is part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign to end gender-based violence worldwide. 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that begins on the 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started in 1991 by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute and is now used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations all over the globe to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

    Why is it important?

    The Crime Statistics Agency (April 2022- March 2023) documents that East Gippsland is number 3 out of 79 Victorian Local Government Areas for reported Family Violence incidents. (Rate of Incidents per 100,000).
    The statistics show that Victoria Police attended 1563 Family Violence Incidents. In 33% of callouts, it was reported that children were in attendance at the time.
     
    Across the state, Victoria Police responded to a family violence callout every two minutes.
     

    What is violence against women?

    Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of farm or coercion in public or private life – UN Declaration.

    • On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.
    • 1 in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
    • 1 in 5 women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.·      
    • 1 in 3 women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a man they know.
    • 1 in 4 women has experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former intimate partner since the age of 15.
    • 1 in 4 women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15.
    • 1 in 2 women has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.
    • Women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner.
    •  Almost ten women a day are hospitalised for assault injuries perpetrated by a spouse or domestic partner.

    We acknowledge that both women and men can experience violence, but the nature of this violence differs in terms of its severity and impact. Data comes from sources such as the Crime Statistics Agency, the Prevention of Family Violence Data Platform, the Personal Safety Survey undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Our Watch.

     

    As uncomfortable as it may be, the data consistently shows that women disproportionately experience intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual assault. They are more likely to be hospitalised, injured, express fear or be killed by a current or former partner. To address the violence experienced by women, we must recognise its gendered nature.

     

     

    We look forward to a future with very different data that shows all forms and rates of violence being eliminated!

     

    Resources

    Resources and support if you or someone you know is experiencing Family Violence:

    ·       Victoria Police: Call 000

    ·       Safe Steps: https://www.safesteps.org.au/ Ph:1800 015 188

    ·       The Orange Door – Outer Gippsland: oga@orangedoor.vic.gov.au Ph:1800 512 358

    ·       1800 Respect: https://www.1800respect.org.au/ Ph: 1800 737 732

    ·       With Respect: https://www.withrespect.org.au/ Ph: 1800 542 847 (LGBTI)

    ·       Djirra: https://djirra.org.au/ Ph: 1800 105 303 (Aboriginal)

    ·       Our Watch: https://www.ourwatch.org.au/

    ·       ANROWS: https://www.anrows.org.au/

    For more information about Walk to Change the Story email WTCTS@glch.org.au

    or join our Facebook Group Walk to Change the Story https://www.facebook.com/groups/1858499107594158 or follow Gippsland Lakes Complete Health on Facebook and Instagram (@GLCH1975).

    Victoria Police
    Call 000
    Safe Steps

    1800 015 188

    A confidential and supportive family violence response line for Victoria.
    Phone services available 24/7.

    Safe Steps website: safesteps.org.au

    The Orange Door – Outer Gippsland

    1800 512 358 or oga@orangedoor.vic.gov.au

    1800 RESPECT

    1800 737 732

    The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
    Phone and online services available 24/7.

    1800 RESPECT website: 1800respect.org.au

    With Respect

    1800 542 847 (LGBTIQA+)

    https:// www.withrespect.org.au/

    Kids Helpline

    1800 55 1800

    Kids Helpline is a counselling service for Australian children and young people
    aged between five and 25 years. Phone and online services available 24/7.

    Kids Helpline website: kidshelpline.com.au

    Rainbow Door

    1800 729 367

    Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family.

    Rainbow Door website: rainbowdoor.org.au

    Men’s Referral Service

    1300 766 491

    Men’s Referral Service provides anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information, and referrals to men, to help them take action to stop using violent and controlling behaviour.

    No to Violence website: ntv.org.au

    Mens Line

    1300 78 99 78

    Professional support and information service for Australian men.
    Phone and online services available 24/7.

    Mens Line website: mensline.org.au

    Seniors Rights Victoria

    1300 368 821

    Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) provides information and advice
    to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights of older people.

    Senior Rights Victoria website: seniorsrights.org.au

    Djirra

    1800 105 303

    Djirra is a culturally safe place where culture is celebrated, and practical support is available.

    Djirra website: djirra.org.au

    ANROWS

     

    Local Organisations

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