16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Content warning: This page references domestic and family violence.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign organised by UN Women which aims to end violence against women and girls. It calls for everyone in the community to come together and say that violence is never OK, and put those words into action. Each year the campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Domestic and family violence has wide-ranging physical, psychological, sexual, reproductive and chronic health impacts.

Image credit: UN Women

Domestic and family violence crisis

Gender-based violence is a crisis in our community. According to the most recent Personal Safety Survey (PSS) by the ABS, approximately 1 in 4 women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15. The term ‘domestic violence’ usually refers to violence against an intimate partner or ex-partner. While some men experience domestic violence, most perpetrators are male and most victims are female.

‘Family violence’ may include violence perpetrated against children, older people, against parents by children, and other kin or family members. Domestic and family violence has wide-ranging physical, psychological, sexual, reproductive and chronic health impacts.

While there is no single definition of domestic violence, the central element is that it is deliberate and an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling a partner through fear, for example by using behaviour which is violent and threatening.

Behaviours which constitute domestic violence

physical, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse
stalking, threats, intimidation, harassment and technological abuse
financial abuse
intentionally damaging or destroying property
isolation
intentionally shaming a person in their community
threats of deportation, withholding passports and other documents
threats to harm extended family members and pets
coercive control: coercive control can involve any behaviour which scares, hurts, isolates, humiliates, harasses, monitors, takes away another person’s freedom or unreasonably controls their day-to-day activities. It can include physical violence and sexual abuse, but it doesn’t have to.
reproductive control
threats to hurt children or take them away
undermining the mother-child connection/relationship - also referred to as maternal alienation.

How to help

In the video below, Katrina Hurley (Manager Counselling, Violence Prevention and Response) explains how you can support someone who is experiencing domestic violence.

Get involved

Events are organised across the community throughout the 16 Days of Activism:

Randwick City Council – Step Out Speak Out Walk – Friday 22 November, arrive 7:15am for 7:30-9:30am walk
George River Council – No Domestic Violence Walk – Friday 29 November, 10:00am-12:30pm
The Family Co. – Walk for Respectful Relationships – Friday 29 November, 10:00am
Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Network – Turning Awareness into Action panel discussion – Thursday 5 December, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Randwick Town Hall. If cost is a barrier, contact council@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Resources and support

If someone’s life is in immediate danger, dial 000
Help is also available by calling the national domestic family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
The NSW Domestic Violence Line for free counselling and referral services: 1800 656 463
Services for people living in SESLHD
- St George and Sutherland area
  - St George & Sutherland Domestic Violence Service: 9087 8300
  - Southern Sydney Sexual Assault Service: 9113 2494
  - St George Hospital Social Work Department: 9114 2494
  - Sutherland Hospital Social Work Department: 9540 7111
- Eastern Suburbs Area
  - St Vincent’s Domestic and Family Violence Service: 8382 1111
  - Royal Prince Alfed Hospital Sexual Assault Service: 9515 9040
  - Prince of Wales Social Work Department: 9382 2372
  - Royal Hospital for Women (Ask for Social Work Department): 9382 6111
  - Sydney Hospital (Ask for Social Work Department): 9382 7111
- For SESLHD Staff
  - All staff can access confidential 24/7 support by calling the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) on 1300 687 327
  - NSW Health employees can access flexible work practices and paid confidential domestic and family violence leave. Read more here: Leave Matters for the NSW Health Service Policy
  - Staff can enrol in See, Hear, Believe: a learning resource for frontline workers to help you support LGBTIQ+ people experiencing domestic and family violence.
  - Staff can access information about training, consultation and support on the Child, Youth and Family Services intranet page.