16 Days of Activism
Each year, from 25 November to 10 December, World Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.
During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world will unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.
Join the Walk against Family Violence (WAFV) on Friday 25 November each year in Geelong, to take a stand on preventing violence against women. Show your support for victim-survivors and help send a message across Victoria that family violence and violence against women is
never okay by attending a walk and stepping out in orange.
Lived Experience Art Exhibition – Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
    
In Geelong, The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, together with Bethany and other Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee members, will be presenting a very special art exhibition at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.
From 7 December – February 3, 2023, a Lived Experience Art Exhibition themed “Respect Women: Call it Out (Respect Is)” will be showing in the mezzanine level of the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, featuring artworks created by women in our community who have experienced family violence.
“As a trauma-informed service, we know the strength that a gentle creative process, in a safe setting, can have for those impacted by trauma, allowing them to explore, connect with and express feelings, memories and create a sense of purpose and focus. It can support them to make meaning, assist in emotional regulation, trauma-integration and recovery. Being creative can soothe and calm the brain that may be on high alert due to a traumatic experience.” a representative from The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre says.
“We believe the 16 Days of Activism is a wonderful opportunity to display and showcase the art created by those impacted by family violence to help tell their recovery story to the community. Past and present clients will be able to exhibit a piece of art and have an opportunity to discuss the story behind their art if they desire. Each artist will be invited to create an artwork that reflects what respect means to them. The artists will have the option to remain anonymous, however some may feel empowered to share their stories with the community. “
Bethany invited women currently receiving support through it’s Specialist Women’s and Children’s Family Violence program, as well as women participating in Bethany’s group program, ROAR.
The exhibition launch will have a compelling focus on the importance of connected response, lived experience and primary prevention initiatives. We acknowledge the strength and resilience of all victim survivors of family violence and recognise that our efforts must be informed by the voices and lived experience of victim survivors. This is an important campaign and will provide opportunities for victim survivors to strengthen and inform primary prevention initiatives across the Barwon area and beyond.
