In acknowledgement of the devastating impact that family violence has on the lives of so many, Yarra City Council is participating in the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and the White Ribbon campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism will begin on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, this Saturday 25 November. It will run until International Human Rights Day on 10 December.  

This year the highest number of women were appointed as Mayors in Victoria’s history, and these women, including Yarra’s Mayor Councillor Amanda Stone, have joined together to release a statement urging all levels of government to work together to eradicate family violence.  

'One in four Australian women has experienced violence from a partner and on average one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner - this situation needs to change', says Cr Stone.  

'Yarra Council recognises that violence affects too many families, and we all have a role to play in preventing violence in our community'.    

During the 16 days of Activism, Yarra Council staff will be attending the Walk Against Violence at Federation Square, launching our Family Violence Organisational Statement, and supporting a male-led staff group taking action against gender-based violence.   

We are encouraging our community to join the fight to eliminate violence against women by joining Victoria Against Violence’s 16 Days of Activism, or by wearing a white ribbon, available for purchase from our town halls, libraries and other council buildings with proceeds going White Ribbon Australia.  

You can also join the Walk Against Violence in Federation Square this Friday 24 November.

For more information about 16 Days of Activism in Victoria you can visit the Victoria Against Violence website, or learn more about White Ribbon Day by visiting the White Ribbon Australia website.