16 Days of Activism, expanding conversation and building momentum
Monday 11 October 2021
Domestic Violence Victoria and Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DV Vic/DVRCV) are partnering with Respect Victoria to deliver this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence grassroots initiative. Learn more about the initiative and how your organisation can get involved.
The United Nation’s international campaign – 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Learn more about the origins of 16 Days here.
Since 2019, Respect Victoria has delivered their 16 Days of Activism campaign supported by local councils and community organisations across the state. This year’s theme is Respect Women: Call It Out (Respect Is), encouraging Victorians to call out sexism and harmful gender stereotypes, in order to prevent violence and create a more safe and equal society. Check out last year’s campaign on the Respect Victoria website.
Expanding community conversations
To support the delivery of the 16 Days of Activism initiative, Respect Victoria is funding DV Vic/DVRCV to connect and build the capacity of community organisations and local councils to engage with the campaign.
“We are thrilled to be able to support our colleagues at DV Vic to develop and deliver the grassroots element of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign”
– Respect Victoria Acting CEO Amy Prendergast
This year’s campaign is supported by a cross-sector Project Advisory Group with members the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), No to Violence (NTV), Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), and the Women’s Health Services Council.
“We’re pleased to be working alongside Respect Victoria and partners across the local government, women’s health, social services and perpetrator intervention sectors to support specialist family violence services, local councils, and other community organisations in this grassroots campaign.
Engagement across Victorian communities is critical to expanding the conversation and building momentum to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women, before it occurs.”
– DV Vic/DVRCV CEO Tania Farha
Start planning your 16 Days campaign
DV Vic/DVRCV is hosting a range of capacity-building activities available to all councils and community organisations interested in engaging with the campaign, including weekly newsletter updates, a Prevention & Communications Helpdesk, online events to support 16 Days campaign engagement, and a resource kit
Grassroots initiative support fund
A series of small grants will be distributed by DV Vic/DVRCV to Victorian community organisations and councils, to develop and promote local initiatives and engage audiences across the state. The support fund aims to reinforce the existing collaborations with local councils and organisations, while also strengthening the campaign’s reach and inclusivity with tailored communications and supports.
With 95 applications already approved, you still have time to submit an application to our call for funding! Get in quick, as grants are awarded until all funding is allocated. Start your application here.
Upcoming webinars
DV Vic/DVRCV will facilitate two webinars to provide both support fund recipients and community organisations with practical advice, ideas, tips and a forum to discuss how to run successful 16 Days of Activism campaigns.
Planning your 16 Days of Activism Campaign
Our first webinar, held on Wednesday 27 October 2:00 – 3:30 pm, will provide practical advice on how to run a successful campaign, including tips on managing inclusion and accessibility, and how to engage local leaders in discussions about primary prevention of gender-based violence.
16 Days of Activism – Online Campaigns and Managing Resistance
The second online event, held on Wednesday 3 November 2:00 – 3:30 pm, will dive into how to run an engaging and successful 16 Days of Activism campaign in the online environment and feature a deep dive into encountering resistance in online spaces.
Register here for our upcoming events, or to learn more about the 16 Days of Activism, visit our website.
The Prevention and Communications Helpdesk
Subscribe here to receive regular email updates with case studies of participating council and community organisation activities ahead of and during the 16 Days of Activism. For any queries on the 16 Days of Activism Initiative, reach out to our Prevention and Communications Help Desk by emailing prevention@dvvic.org.au.