The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign to end violence against women and girls. It runs from 25 November to 10 December.
Violence against women includes any act that causes, or could cause, physical, sexual, or emotional harm. Sadly, women and gender-diverse people in our community often face violence at home, work, and in public.
We all have a role in ensuring everyone feels safe, equal, and respected. This year, the City of Whittlesea supports Respect Victoria’s Respect Is campaign to challenge gender stereotypes through open conversations.
Join us for 16 Days of Activism to help create a community of safety, respect, and equality for all.
Head to the
Safe and Equal website for the community calendar of events happening across Victoria.
Society often tells us how we should act, look, or like things based on our gender, but everyone deserves respect for who they are. Gender stereotypes are ideas that can harm people and cause inequality and violence, especially against women and gender-diverse people.
Talking about gender roles helps us build respect and set good examples for kids. This can mean:
- Sharing housework and parenting duties fairly,
- Speaking up against disrespectful comments about women,
- Letting kids know it’s okay to show emotions.
Learn more at Respect Victoria: Respect Starts With A Conversation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available.
In case of immediate danger call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police.
For general counselling and support
Safe Steps
Safe Steps is available to support people in Victoria who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please call 1800 015 188 or try their live web chat service available 9am-9pm, Monday - Friday. Chats are anonymous and accessible to anyone experiencing violence or concerned about the welfare of a loved one. More information can be found on the Safe Steps website.
The Orange Door
The Orange Door provides help for people experiencing family violence, or who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children and young people.
Orange Door is in Epping. Please see below for more details.
571-583 High St
Epping VIC 3076
1800 319 355
nema@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
To find another service near you, visit the Orange Door website.
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is a national hotline operated by trained counsellors. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support people impacted by family violence, please call 1800 737 732. More information can be found on the 1800 Respect website.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Sexual Assault Crisis Line is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced sexual assault. It operates between 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays. You can call the crisis line on 1800 806 292. During work hours, calls will be diverted to your local Sexual Assault Service.
Northern Centre Against Sexual Assault (NCASA)
NCASA is a free therapeutic service to all members of the community aged 12 years and over who have experienced sexual assault, regardless of how long ago it happened. This includes non-offending family members and friends. 24-Hour Crisis Line 1800 806 292. More information can be found on the NCASA website.
WIRE
WIRE is a free generalist service in Victoria inclusive of women, and gender diverse people from all backgrounds and experiences. We can help you with any issue you’re facing, including family violence, financial abuse, housing and more. You can call the Phone Support Line on 1300 134 130 or speak to someone via Live Web Chat. More information can be found on the WIRE website.
For men
No to Violence (NTV)
NTV is the peak body for organisations and individuals working with men to end family violence. No to Violence operates the Men's Referral Service (MRS) which provides telephone counselling, information, and referrals – call 1300 766 491. More information can be found on the No to Violence website.
MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia: a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please call 1300 789 978. More information can be found on the MensLine Australia website.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
For people from multicultural backgrounds
InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
It's a specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families, and their communities.
Call 1800 755 988 or visit the InTouch website.
For older people
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV)
SRV provides information and advice to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights of older people. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, call SRV's confidential helpline:1300 368 821. More information can be found on theSenior Rights Victoria website.
For LGBTIQ+ people and their families
Rainbow Door
Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Call 1800 729 367 or visit the Rainbow Door website.