Central Coast Council is urging residents to step up and speak out against domestic violence as it joins a 16-day global campaign to help end domestic violence in our community.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence kicked off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.
Council is running a series of educational campaigns and events throughout the 16 Days of Activism (and beyond) to make it clear that violence against women is never acceptable.
Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said domestic violence is a real and serious issue impacting the Central Coast.
“Statistics show that the Central Coast had the second-highest number of domestic violence Apprehended Violence Orders in NSW for the 12 months prior to June 2020,” Vaughan said.
“We need powerful statements and actions if we are going to change the Coast’s statistics and make our communities safe for women to lead the lives they and their children deserve.
Campaigns and events being run and supported by Council throughout the 16 Days of Activism include a public exhibition using pop-up lightboxes at Erina Fair from November 23-December 2 and The Entrance foreshore from December 2-10.
The lightboxes aim to shine a spotlight on the issue and help victims, their families and friends to identify the signs of abuse.
Council will also support the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee in its walk against domestic violence.
This year the event will be virtual, and residents are being asked to commit to doing their own walk during the 16 Days of Activism.
On December 3, Council’s Library Service will host a special online discussion with investigative journalist Jess Hill about her critically acclaimed and award-winning book, See What You Made Me Do; Power, Control and Domestic Abuse.
Bookings are essential for this free online event via www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries.
Council will relaunch its Positive Relationships campaign in 2020.
Developed in consultation with young people on the Coast, the campaign is designed to educate young people about prevention through respectful relationships that encourage social and generational change.
Council is also partnering with the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee and Liquor Accord to send a strong message about domestic violence.
Major liquor outlets across the Coast will display the slogan, Domestic abuse: it is your business, on their bottle shop bags and hand sanitisers.
Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said we all have a responsibility to reach out and help support our community.
“Council has an important role to play in tackling social issues that impact on community wellbeing, including domestic violence,” he said.
“We want the Central Coast to be a safe place for all to live.”
Source:
Media release, Nov 19
Central Coast Council