Hindmarsh Shire Council is proudly participating in the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from Thursday, November 25 to Friday, December 10.

The theme of this year's campaign is 'Respect Is' and messages of equality and respect will be highlighted across the world.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Melanie Albrecht has reinforced Council's commitment to the campaign.

"Respect is standing up for equality. When gender equity exists, we all benefit," she said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Council received funding from Respect Victoria to run initiatives and increase the community's understanding of respect during the 16 days and beyond.

Through this funding, Hindmarsh Shire Council is offering free Bystander Training for the community on Tuesday, November 30 from 5:30 - 6:30pm via Microsoft Teams.

The training has been designed in collaboration with MATE to help community members to recognise when a problematic situation is taking place and develop skills and tools to effectively interrupt the behaviour.

Community groups, sporting clubs, community leaders, parents, teachers and individuals are encouraged to register their interest for the training by visiting hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/up-coming-events.

"The alarming rise of gender based violence seen during the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be stopped. We need to be empowered to change gender based inequalities, where we see them, in our homes, workplaces and communities," Cr Albrecht said

Bystander Training acknowledges that every single person plays a role in violence prevention-whether it's something we're exposed to directly or not.

This gives us the opportunity to empower our workplace and our community to recognise when a problematic situation is taking place and develop skills and tools to effectively interrupt the behaviour.

In the session attendees will be provided with real-world scenarios in community settings such as sports clubs, workplaces and within CALD Communities that enable you see how to put the MATE bystander intervention framework into practice.

"By learning together, we can work together, to make our communities safer for everyone," Cr Albrecht said.

For more information, visit the Respect Victoria website at respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/campaigns/respect-women-call-it-out-respect.

If you are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, violence, help is available. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call 000. You call also access help 24/7 by calling Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or by visiting safesteps.org.au.

Additionally, Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. Visit www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au for more information.

For more information, please contact Petra Croot, Community Development and Youth Officer on 03 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

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