Ballarat family violence advocates have welcomed a state government campaign pushing to eliminate violence and gender inequality.
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Earlier this week, member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford, unveiled the inaugural 16-day Victoria Against Violence campaign which will start on Wednesday.
The purpose of the campaign is to highlight the devastating impact family violence is causing across the state.
The announcement reintereated calls by WRISC executive officer Libby Jewson for a holistic approach to eliminating violence.
Ms Jewson said discussions were underway to hold an open forum with representatives from Victoria Police, Women's Health Grampians, Child and Family Services, Berry Street Family Services, WRISC, Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault and other welfare agencies during the 16 day campaign.
Ms Jewson said the complex issue required a multifaceted response that would only be sparked by collaboration between all leading bodies in the family violence sector.
It coincides with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, which begins on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25) and concludes on International Human Rights Day (December 10).
Ms Pulford said the 16 days Victoria Against Violence campaign will provide a number of platforms to engage and educate the wider community about the link between family violence and gender inequality.
A range of events including victim voices’ summits and women’s leadership forums will be held across Victoria.
Parliament House and other landmarks will also “go orange” the colour designated by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign.
Ms Pulford urged the Ballarat community to visit the Victoria Against Violence online calendar and to register, or be a part of, events.
For details, visit vic.gov.au/victoriaagainstviolence