Gender equity & preventing violence against women

Council is committed to promoting gender equity and preventing violence against women.

If you are affected by family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), the National Counselling Helpline. If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.

What is violence against women?

Violence against women can include psychological, economic, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. In Victoria, Intimate Partner Violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness for women aged 15 to 44 years of age. Women of all ages, cultures, backgrounds and economic situations in Australia can experience violence.

What causes violence against women?

While violence against women is serious and prevalent, it is also preventable. It is possible to prevent violence by addressing the underlying causes of violence against women, namely:

  • condoning of violence against women
  • men’s control of decision making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life
  • rigid gender roles and stereotyped constructions of masculinity and femininity
  • male peer relations that emphasise aggression and disrespect towards women

Watch this short video created by Our Watch to learn more about the causes of violence against women.

For more information contact Council's Community Health and Wellbeing Officer on 9932 1284

What is some of the work Council is doing to promote Gender Equity?

Gender Equity Policy Statement

The Policy statement applies a gender analysis to the social determinants of health in order to: understand the different experiences, opportunities and outcomes experienced by women, men and gender diverse people; and to support Council in meeting the needs of the community. The policy statement is inclusive of women, men and gender diverse people. The first Gender Equity Policy Statement was adopted on 13 May 2014.

The vision of the policy statement is:

“Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to a safe and just community, where every girl, boy, women, man and gender diverse person is included and valued – where equal and respectful relationships and opportunities for meaningful participation are supported and celebrated.”

Social Policy Action Plan 2018-19: Click Attachment Below

Gender Equity Policy Statement: Click Attachment Below

Preventing Violence Against Women – Western Region Action Plan

Preventing Violence Together is a regional partnership made up of local government, community health and primary care partnerships, working together to prevent violence against women across Melbourne’s west.

Preventing Violence Together 2030: Western Region Strategy to Prevent Violence Against Women guides the work of the partnership by outlining actions and a shared vision: ‘women and girls across Melbourne’s west live free from violence and discrimination and have equal status, rights, opportunities, representation and respect’. Council is a signatory to this plan.

16 Days of Activism (25 November – 10 December)

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and its impact on a woman's physical, psychological, social wellbeing and economic security.

Get involved and take the 16 Days of Activism Challenge: Join others taking action to end violence against women by signing up for the Activist Challenge. What’s involved? It’s simple. As a 16 Days Activist, you pledge to undertake actions to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women during the 16 Days of Activism.

Click here to sign up for the challenge.

Workplace Family Violence Policy

The Hobsons Bay City Council employee Workplace Family Violence Policy enables staff affected by family violence to access a range of support, including access to leave, support in developing a safety plan, and referral to a family violence service. This policy recognises that workplaces can make a significant difference to the safety and wellbeing of people experiencing family violence.

Helpful Resources

Facts and Figures. Read about the prevalence and impact of violence against women.

Act To Prevent Men's Violence Against Women: a guide for community action. This resource details practical things people can do every day to prevent men’s violence against women; contains important information to consider before taking action; and provides links to further resources.

Our Watch provides information on how everyone can do something to help prevent violence against women and their children. Find out how you can take action at work, in school, as a professional, as a parent or as a bystander.

VicHealth provides information and resources on the issue of violence against women, its prevalence, impacts, and strategies to prevent it.

The Know your A-Z resource offers 26 ways everybody can help challenge harmful stereotypes, promote respect and prevent violence.

Myth buster. Learn more about the common misunderstandings around violence against women as detailed on The Line website.