All women deserve to be safe, equal and respected
The colour orange is used for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence is this Saturday 25 November.
The day raises awareness of the ongoing human rights issue of violence against women and girls across the world. November 25 marks the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which culminates with Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today. It remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
The frightening facts: Globally
- More than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence in their lifetime
- More than 5 women or girls are killed very hour by someone in their own family
- Less than 40% of women who experience violence seek help of any sort
Source: UN Women
At Unison, we see the effects of gender-based violence on a daily basis. Our homelessness services provide referral, advocacy and financial assistance to people in a critical housing situation, including women and children who come to our services when they are at risk of, or are experiencing family violence.
Unison is building more much needed long-term affordable housing in Victoria for vulnerable people, including women who are at risk or experiencing family violence.
According to the Council to Homeless Persons, domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
The frightening facts: In Victoria
- 93% of clients who had experienced domestic violence were women and children
- 84% of clients who had experienced violence were seeking accommodation or help to sustain housing
Source: Council to Homeless Persons Fact Sheet, Victoria 2022
We invite you to join Respect Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism campaign and events and help end gender-based violence in our community: For more information click here.
Have you, or do you know someone who has experienced abuse and needs help? If you feel threatened, unsafe or need assistance, please see list of contacts below:
- Call Police on 000 (Triple Zero)
- Safe Steps: 1800 015 188 / safesteps.org.au
- The Orange Door: orangedoor.vic.gov.au
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 /1800respect.org.au
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 / kidshelpline.com.au- for children aged 5 up
- No to Violence: 1300 766 491 / ntv.org.au - NTV works with men to end family violence
- Mensline: 1300 78 99 78 / mensline.org.au
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