The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign held each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
At Victoria University, the campaign provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to preventing and responding to gender-based violence, promote support and reporting options, and encourage staff and students to play a role in creating a safer, more respectful and inclusive community.
This year’s global theme is “Ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity.”
Throughout the 16 Days, VU will host events, share resources and promote campaigns that support respectful relationships, gender equality and the prevention of violence.”
VU invites students, staff and friends to join with us at the Walk Against Family Violence. This annual event, coordinated by Respect Victoria, kicks off the 16 Days of Activism in Victoria and commemorates the lives lost to gendered violence.
Mercy Health Services and WestCASA have collaborated for this year’s 16 days of Activism to present: UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls. The event is spread over two days with online presentations and a symbolic community walk.
Online presentations
Date: Thursday 26 November 1.30pm Location: Online
Join leading safety expert Stephen Wilson as he explores the growing risks of technology-facilitated abuse and practical strategies to stay safe.
Date: Friday 27 November, 2:30pm Location: Online
Learn how AI, deepfakes and emerging technologies are being used to perpetrate abuse and coercive control, and discover practical approaches to safety and prevention.
Join WestCASA, Mercy Health and community partners as we UNiTE to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls through this symbolic community walk along Hoppers Lane.
Preventing Violence Together (PVT) 16 Days Forum: Real Talk. Real Strength. Real Change: A Forum for Boys, Men and Father Figures
Real Talk. Real Strength. Real Change brings together boys, men and father figures for an engaging panel discussion and facilitated conversation exploring masculinity, respectful relationships, emotional wellbeing, care, connection and gender equality.
Date: 2 December, 6:30pm to 9:30pm with Buffet Dinner served from 6:00pm Location: Western Grounds, Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray West
Interested in attending? Save the date and check back soon. Registration details will be provided once available.
The Line: End of the World Campaign
Big emotions can feel like the end of the world. They don't have to be.
Victoria University is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive campus community. As part of our partnership with The Line, an initiative of Our Watch, we will be promoting the End of the World campaign across VU from 1-16 November in the lead up to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
About the campaign
Developed by The Line, the End of the World campaign helps young people navigate the big emotions that can arise in relationships, including jealousy, anger and fear of rejection. Through practical tools and relatable content, the campaign encourages young people to recognise their emotions and respond in healthy, respectful ways.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple framework: Pause. Regulate. Then Communicate.
The campaign encourages young people to:
Pause before reacting in the heat of the moment.
Regulate strong emotions and find healthy ways to calm down.
Communicate feelings respectfully and constructively.
Learning these skills can help build stronger relationships, improve communication, and support a more respectful community for everyone.
Look out for the campaign
Throughout November, you'll see End of the World campaign content displayed on digital screens across VU campuses and promoted through VU student communication channels and social media.
We encourage all students to explore the campaign resources and reflect on how we can all contribute to respectful relationships and a safer campus environment.
The College of Health, Early Childhood Education and Community Services has developed a new skillset in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk. The course teaches how to assess and respond appropriately to family violence within the MARAM framework and is delivered online over 10 weeks.
This microcredential is now being made available free to all interested VU staff.
Please visit Respect Victoria and Safe+Equal for more information and resources about the 16 Days of Activism.
Brimbank Community Walk for Action
When: Wednesday 10 December, 12–2pm Where: Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, 90 Taylors Rd, Keilor Downs
Join the Brimbank Community Walk for Action to say loud and clear: everyone deserves to be safe, equal and respected. Including special guest speakers and community groups from across Brimbank. Organised by Brimbank City Council, Respect Victoria and CommUnity+.
