Content Note: Please note the content below talks about some topics which might be distressing for some people. Please consider this before reading, and access support as required.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign to prevent gender-based violence.
It commences on 25 November in conjunction with the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
This year for 16 Days, La Trobe is focusing on violence against women with a disability, acknowledging that they experience higher rates of violence, some unique forms of violence, and significant barriers to reporting and seeking support.
Ways You Can Engage
Here are 4 ways in which you can engage with the 16 Days of Activism Campaign at La Trobe to stand in solidarity with both our themes:
Attend La Trobe’s 16 Days of Activism Lunch Events
The Respectful Communities team recently ran a photography competition calling on members of the La Trobe community to depict what respect means to them. See the winning pictures here.
You can view all photo entrants on the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus and attend the 16 Days of Activism lunch events. Come along and hear from the Respectful Communities team and special guests, enjoy a catered lunch and pick up some resources.
- Register for the Melbourne (Bundoora) Launch – Tuesday 3 December, 12 pm – 1 pm
- Register for the Bendigo Launch – Thursday 5 December, 12 pm – 1 pm
Learn about why women with a disability experience higher rates of violence
Women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence than women without disabilities and have unique challenges when it comes to seeking support.
This factsheet looks at some of the statistics regarding violence against women with disability, and can be shared with health professionals, support workers and anyone who works with women with disability.
- Women with Disability Victoria Factsheet [PDF Document]
- Women with Disability Victoria Factsheet [Word Document]
Attend Respectful Communities training
Respectful Communities runs a variety of evidence-based training on a range of topics for students. View our website to see mental health training, LGBTIQA+ Ally training and more. You can also complete the Respectful Behaviour and Culture Module on the LMS.
Learn about Djirra
Djirra is an organisation dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, especially those facing family violence and systemic discrimination. They provide culturally safe services, including advocacy and counselling, to support the well-being, legal rights, and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Djirra does this within Indigenous communities through holistic programs and community engagement designed predominantly by Aboriginal women.
Support Services for students
- Safer Community – Safer Community is a free, confidential support service for students and staff to report concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour they may have experienced or witnessed at the University. Safer Community can refer to other services.
- Wellbeing Services – free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services for students.
- La Trobe’s Out of Hours Crisis Line. Call: 1300 146 307 or Text: 0488 884 100
(5.00 pm–9.00 am weekdays, 24 hours including weekends and public holidays).