Media Release: 16 Days of Activism Let’s Chat About Ending Gendered Violence Gippsland

“Let’s Chat Gippsland” is a community focused campaign that aims to prevent men’s violence against women and gendered violence across Gippsland.

Family (domestic) violence crime reporting in Gippsland continues to be some of the highest in Victoria, Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland and Wellington Shire are all in the top four Local Government areas in Victoria in 2022/2023, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.

The Let’s Chat Gippsland campaign is part of the annual international United Nations (UN) 16 Days of Activism campaign to prevent gendered violence initiative that runs from 25 November to 10 December. This is the third year Gippsland Women’s Health has partnered with local communities, government and organisations.

The campaign theme of Let’s Chat seeks to support and remind people that men’s violence against women and gendered violence is preventable.

“Every member of the community can play a role in putting a stop to men’s violence against women and gendered violence in their community,” said Kate Graham, CEO GWH.

“Not all men are violent, but all men can play a role in preventing violence against women and this starts with respect,” said Kate.

Gippslanders are encouraged to attend the events happening across Gippsland where they will learn that social and attitude change can start with a simple conversation, whether it be with their family, friends, colleagues, classmates or neighbours. 

By working together we can shift attitudes and practices to make Gippsland a safer community for everyone. This year, we want our community  to tell us what respect in our community should look like. Local Gippsland Artist PollyannaR will be inviting Gippslanders to share what they think “Respect Is. Anyone who wants to be a part of the pop-up will have their photo taken with their response. To read more about PollyannaR visit www.pollyannar.com/big-respect-gippsland.

With over 70 community partners, the campaign will see events and social media campaigns throughout the 16 days. Visit the Let’s Chat website www.16daysgippsland.com.au for more details on these events closer to the date.

Also, look out for our social media campaign #LetsChatGippsland.