- Published:
- Tuesday, 26 November 2019 at 1:05 am
November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women followed by the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (25 November to 10 December). Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam Specialist Operations, Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway Family Violence Command and Assistant Commissioner Brett Curran Gender Equality and Inclusion Command have come together to highlight Victoria Police’s commitment to ending violence against women and children, both within our community and across our workforce.
While we know anyone can be a victim of abuse, the overwhelming majority of family violence and sexual offences are perpetrated by men against women and children. Victoria Police has come a long way in developing our responses to:
- family violence
- sexual offences
- gender equality
- raising community awareness
- challenging attitudes supporting gender-based violence.
Responsibility for the harm caused by family violence and sexual offending rests with the perpetrator. We will continue to take action to ensure the safety of victims and hold perpetrators to account. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes, their workplaces and their surroundings. Gender-based violence is unacceptable, in all communities and in all cultures. If you or someone you know is the victim of abuse, we encourage you to seek help and support.
safe steps offer confidential 24/7 support to victims, online and over the phone, and also provide advice to friends or family reaching out on their behalf. If you require immediate police assistance, always call Triple Zero (000)
Victoria Police is proud to join communities across the globe in supporting the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, bringing much-needed awareness to gender-based violence and challenging attitudes that support it. We understand that although restrictions are beginning to ease, some people may still be in vulnerable situations at home. We want to ensure victims that we continue to respond to family violence matters as a priority and there are ways to seek help.
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