Stori’s Post

🌍💜 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 💜🌍 From November 25 to December 10, we join the global movement to raise awareness and take action against gender-based violence. In Australia alone, over 55 women have tragically lost their lives to domestic violence this year. This staggering statistic reminds us that 16 days of activism is just the beginning of a much-needed dialogue. At Our Lawyers, we believe it’s crucial to listen and engage with our communities. Recently, we attended the Pop In Domestic Violence forum in the Southern Highlands and the say no to DV breakfast in the Wollondilly, where we were reminded that this issue transcends gender—it’s a societal challenge that requires collective action. Now is the time to reflect, engage, and consider what we can do individually to combat this issue. Let’s stand together and make a difference! 💪💜 #16DaysOfActivism #EndGenderBasedViolence #CommunityAction #TogetherWeCan #Noexcuse

Domestic and family violence is a national crisis. We need to prioritise the development of an innovative, results-based strategy for preventing gendered violence. Accountability is prevention. Recovery is prevention. It means investing in recovery, supporting at risk groups - like children and First Nations communities - addressing structural barriers, the regulation of harmful industries and solid commitment to systemic improvements in gender equality. While campaigns and public awareness efforts like #16daysofactivism are vital in mobilising action, much more needs to be done to address this deeply entrenched issue that continues to devastate lives and communities across our nation. There is no silver bullet to solving the most corrosive social issue of our time. But courageous and dedicated leaders across the country are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible - and we must all join them. Hear from Dorothy Hisgrove GAICD in The Australian Financial Review - well worth the read. Eileen Hoggett Andrew J Yates Naomi Mitchell Martin Sheppard

Speak out, not just for survivors, but for the world we want to build Today, as we conclude the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are reminded of the urgency to continue raising our voices against all forms of violence. These past 16 days have been a journey of reflection, advocacy, and collective commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive world. Ending gender-based violence is not a task for a single day, campaign, or group, it’s a shared responsibility that requires each of us to actively speak out. Survivors of violence need our voices to amplify their stories, and our communities need our actions to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality and silence. This year’s theme has emphasized the importance of unity, equity, and active participation. As professionals, community leaders, and individuals, we must continue to advocate for policies that protect, educate those around us, and create spaces where equality thrives. Let’s carry the momentum forward, into our homes, workplaces, and spheres of influence and build a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to live without fear. Speaking out is not just an act of courage, it’s an investment in a future rooted in dignity, love, and fairness. Together, we can be the change we wish to see. The journey doesn’t end here, it begins anew every day. #16daysofactivism #GBV #genderequality #speakout #togetherforchange

Restoring Values to Address Modern Challenges in Regard to Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a deeply troubling issue rooted in a combination of societal stressors, substance abuse, and cycles of learned behavior. However, I believe there’s another factor we must consider: the erosion of traditional values and practices that once provided a moral framework for men. As a man, I grew up loving sports, action, and adventure. I’m not the soy-boy type (nothing against those who are!), but I’ve always prided myself on the lessons I was taught: the strong must protect the vulnerable, respect women, honor your elders, and act with integrity. These principles weren’t just personal—they were cultural, deeply rooted in Aboriginal practices like men’s business. In Aboriginal culture, men’s business wasn’t just about rites of passage; it was a space where boys were taught what it meant to be a man—how to act responsibly, manage emotions, and respect others. (I can't speak on women’s business, but I assume it served a similar purpose for women.) These systems weren’t about division but balance, ensuring that both men and women understood their roles, responsibilities, and mutual respect. Yet, as these traditional practices and values have eroded, young men today are left without clear guidance. Chivalry, once seen as a virtue, is now often painted as outdated or even sexist. But was it really wrong to teach men to protect and respect women, children, and the elderly? I can’t help but wonder if the rejection of these values has contributed to the rise in domestic violence. When boys aren’t taught how to channel their strength responsibly, cycles of violence and harmful behaviors take their place. This isn’t about romanticizing the past or ignoring gender equality. It’s about recognizing that traditional values like chivalry and cultural practices like men’s business offered crucial lessons. They taught accountability, respect, and the idea that strength isn’t about dominance—it’s about protection. To truly address domestic violence, we need more than policies and punishments. We need a cultural shift. This could include: - Reviving traditional practices: Create spaces where men can learn from elders and each other, just as men’s business once did. - Teaching respect in schools: Redefine chivalry and traditional values for the modern world, emphasizing mutual respect and responsibility. - Acknowledging our elders: Recognize that wisdom isn’t limited to the youth of today. Past generations have valuable insights that can guide us forward. Domestic violence isn’t inevitable. By teaching boys how to become better men—and fostering respect and understanding between all genders—we can create a safer and more respectful society. What are your thoughts? How can we balance modern values with the lessons of the past to address these issues? https://lnkd.in/gSdixk_M

The Power of CCR: Transforming Responses to Violence Against Women and Girls When addressing violence against women and girls, no single agency or sector can succeed alone. The Coordinated Community Response (CCR) model transforms fragmented systems into unified networks, rooted in collaboration, shared accountability, and survivor-centered solutions. This exclusive feature highlights insights from Sally Jackson, Head of Services (CCR & Communities, DHR) at Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, who drives the CCR model to communities across the UK, fostering partnerships that dismantle barriers and ensure survivors are supported. Read more about Sally's pioneering work in reshaping responses to domestic abuse and advancing systemic change ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ed52AMUN #ThoughtLeadership #EndingDomesticAbuse #CCRModel Cherryl Henry-Leach Jackie Hyland Jo Choi Emma Storey Jasbir Bangerh

Proud to have one of our event sites Baltic Square host the culmination of the Reclaim the Night march, which contributed to the United Nations campaign '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based violence', which carried the message "Every 10 minutes a woman is killed #noexcuses" The event, which was also attended by Mayor Kim McGuinness is covered in the article below from The Newcastle Chronicle, and contains 17 powerful photos which documents the evening. I truly wish we didn't have to host events like this because I wish we didn't have to 'Reclaim the Night' anymore, given it's a movement that started in 1977, partly in response to the Police's astonishing communications at the time which instructed women not to go out after dark whilst the Yorkshire Ripper was still at large, instead of telling the men who were doing the murdering to stay in! The UN states that 'Femicide, the killing of women and girls, is on the rise and that 2022 saw the highest number of women and girls killed in 20 years; a truly sickening statistic. This hardly comes as a surprise when you look at the culture around women and their bodies, their minds and their voices across around the world. The police have certainly come a long way since the 70s, but mainstream and social media have not, with victim-blaming headlines, inadequate coverage of the sheer scale of male violence against women and the facilitation of terrifying misogynists' social media accounts. Gateshead Council state that 'the council received 1028 referrals for domestic abuse support between April and September 2024... 92.02% were for females, 7.98% were for males and 65% of all referrals involved a child or children in the household.' Gateshead Council ran a brilliant campaign, championing the theme 'It starts with Men' which included photos of male colleagues holding the campaign placards - and ran specialised courses and training and encouraged colleagues to become White Ribbon Ambassadors. The culture needs to change everywhere, including the workplace, which is still dominated by men. And as we get closer to Christmas, domestic violence is set to increase across the UK, the fantastic police will respond ...again and amazing refuges will take in families... again. Change must happen everywhere across the world - and it starts with men. https://lnkd.in/ePuAy92v

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative observed annually from November 25, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, mobilize communities to demand justice and accountability, and inspire collective action to create a world free from violence and discrimination in all its forms. At ECA, we commit to amplifying awareness of gender-based violence, advocating for systemic change, and supporting survivors through accessible services and resources. By partnering with communities, policymakers, and grassroots organizations, we aim to drive meaningful action and accountability to eliminate all forms of violence.

✊ 𝟭𝟲 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ✊ (25 𝑁𝑜𝑣 - 10 𝐷𝑒𝑐 2024) Every voice matters in the fight against gender-based violence. Unity Corporate Services stands firm in supporting awareness, action, and advocacy for safer communities. Let’s take this time to reflect, educate, and unite against all forms of violence. Together, we can create a future rooted in respect, equality, and justice. 🔸 Join the conversation. 🔸 Support survivors. 🔸 Promote change in your circles. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲? 💙 Speak out against harmful behaviors or attitudes in your community. 💚 Offer support to local organizations working to protect survivors and prevent violence. 💙 Educate yourself and others on the root causes of gender-based violence and how to counter them. 💚 Create safe spaces for discussions and learning. Your actions, no matter how small, can spark change. Let’s work together for a safer and more just society. #16DaysOfActivism #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence #stopgenderbasedviolence

End of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence As the 16 Days of Activism come to a close, it is crucial to remember that the fight against gender-based violence doesn’t end here—it must remain a priority every day of the year. Over the past two weeks, we’ve reflected, learned, and taken action to challenge the attitudes and systems that perpetuate violence and inequality. These conversations have amplified the voices of survivors, highlighted the importance of accountability, and called for bold, sustained change. But this is just the beginning. True progress demands continuous advocacy, commitment to justice, and a collective effort to build safer, more equitable communities. Let’s keep the momentum going by: • Educating ourselves and others about the root causes of gender-based violence. • Advocating for policies and practices that protect and empower survivors. • Challenging harmful norms and speaking up against injustice. • Supporting organizations and movements leading this critical work. Together, we can create a future where everyone lives free from violence and fear. The work continues—today, tomorrow, and every day. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #GenderEquality #HumanRights #tuboreshepamoja

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starts today, but our commitment shouldn't end here. Violence against women and children is a harsh reality many face daily, yet too often, discussions fade once these 16 days pass. Activism shouldn't be confined to social media posts or annual campaigns. It should be a continuous effort to spread awareness, support victims & survivors, as well as challenge harmful norms in our communities. Let's be proactive. Let's engage beyond these 16 days. Talk to those around you, educate others, and lend your voice to those who need it most. ♥️ Check out this link for information on legislative amendments that now include broader categories of abuse: https://lnkd.in/dgW9R-Tq #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV