Violence against women is in the spotlight during the Week Without Violence (to October 20).
The international campaign spurs communities to create a world free from violence, which is the leading cause of death and disability for Victorian women aged 15-44.
The problem is escalating in Melbourne’s western suburbs, with family violence referrals by police to Footscray-based Women’s Health West soaring
35 per cent from 2986 in 2011-12 to 4025 in 2012-13.
WHW health promotion worker Stephanie Rich said awareness of violence was important, but action was needed to tackle the gender inequality that underpinned it.
“We are seeing less stigma around family violence, but more must be done on challenging sexism in everyday life,” Ms Rich said.
“It’s something people can do something about, whether in friendship groups or sporting groups or any kind of social situation, by intervening when a sexist comment occurs or looking at how decisions are made that may exclude women.
“By making our workplaces, communities and cultures more gender equitable, we can work towards achieving a region where women are free from violence.”
WHW has joined with 15 organisations in the western region on the Preventing Violence Together partnership to tackle violence against women.
The organisations, including community health, women’s health, local government and family violence services, are implementing a project using a range of gender equity strategies.
» Call Women’s Health West: 9689 9588.
