As part of the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, Hepburn Shire Council is inviting community members to gather together and enjoy a short stroll in Trentham, Daylesford, Creswick and Clunes on Thursday 25 November.
The walks will start at the library in each town at 10.30am on Thursday 25 November, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This is the first day of the 16 day campaign, which runs until Friday 10 December – International Human Rights Day.
Council is using the walks as an opportunity to raise awareness about the key role that gender inequality plays in driving violence against women, and call for action to prevent it.
“We would love to see you at your local library at 10.30am in Clunes, Trentham, Daylesford or Creswick, and join your community in this positive way to highlight the problem of gender-based violence,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.
The gentle walk will be manageable for people of all levels of fitness and all abilities. Please bring a hat and drink bottle and we encourage you to wear a piece of orange clothing, as this is the colour of the campaign.
Libraries will also have activities from 10am prior to the walk, and will feature displays throughout the 16 days.
Why walk against gender-based violence*?
- 1 in 4 women experience violence by a current or former partner.
- Victoria Police respond to a family violence incident every six minutes
- Intimate partner violence is the greatest health risk factor for women.
- Family violence is the single largest cause of homelessness for women.
- 1 woman is killed every week by her current or former partner.
- 43% of women in crisis accommodation have no income.
- 39% of people in crisis accommodation are children under the age of 14.
- 68% of mothers who experienced violence said their children had seen or heard the violence.
