16 Days of activism against gender-based violence

Content warning: this article contains references to sexual assault, family and domestic violence and abuse. Please take care of yourself when reading this content.

16 Days, the global campaign observed annually from November 25 to December 10, serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive and often invisible violence that affects millions of people, particularly women and girls, around the world.

This campaign is a call to action, awareness, and accountability in the effort to end gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

Understanding gender-based violence

Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It includes a wide range of abuses, such as intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, technology-based abuse, trafficking, and harmful practices like child marriage. The violence can be physical, psychological, sexual, or economic, and it can occur in public or private spaces, often behind closed doors where victim/survivors may feel powerless or afraid to speak out.

The importance of the 16 Days campaign

The 16 Days initiative was launched in 1991 by the Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) and is observed in more than 160 countries around the world. The campaign is held annually in alignment with key dates that mark significant moments in the fight for women's rights, such as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and Human Rights Day (December 10). The period from November 25 to December 10 is meant to create a concentrated push for raising awareness, sparking dialogue, and inspiring actions to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence.

As part of this awareness-raising many communities coordinate a Walk Against Family Violence. These are community events designed to raise awareness about family and domestic violence, show support for victim/survivors, and advocate for change.

For information on how the Australian Government plans to end GBV within one generation please view the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Launch of ACU’s reporting sexual misconduct video

As part of the 16 Days campaign the Safeguarding and Student Safety team would like to launch its Reporting Sexual Harm at ACU video.

Students can view the video at www.acu.edu.au/respect. Through the creation of this video, we hope to ensure students are aware of all their support and reporting options if they have experienced or witnessed any form of gender-based violence on or off campus.

Join the movement: what you can do

We all have the power to make a difference. The 16 Days campaign provides simple ways for anyone to get involved:

• Raise your voice: Speak out against gender-based violence in your community. Share information on social media, participate in campaigns, and encourage discussions on this important topic.
• Support victim/survivors: Support local organizations that provide services for victim/survivors of gender-based violence, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocating for resources and support systems in your area. You may wish to join ACU’s Safety Support Network.
• Educate yourself and others: Understanding the root causes of gender-based violence and its impact can help break the cycle of violence. Educate yourself on the issues, read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations to raise awareness. You may want to sign up for the upcoming Creating Respectful Workplaces training at ACU. This is a Motivating Action Through Empowerment (MATE) gender-based violence prevention program developed by Griffith University.
• Challenge gender stereotypes: Take action to challenge and break down harmful gender stereotypes. Allow every person to make personal choices about who they want to be. Encourage respect, equality, and dignity in all relationships.

Looking to the future: Ending gender-based violence in our lifetime

The 16 Days campaign offers hope that change is possible. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the larger movement to end gender-based violence. As the campaign commences, we are reminded that combating gender-based violence is not a one-day or one-year effort but a long-term commitment.

If you need support after reading this article:

ACU 24-hour Mental Health Support Line

Contact the ACU 24-hour Mental Health Support Line by calling 1300 638 485 or texting 0488 884 191 if you are feeling emotionally distressed, experiencing mental health issues, or having thoughts of self-harm or other harm.

ACACIA Employee Assistance Program

ACU’s employee assistance program available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• call 1300 364 273 (AU)
• call Acacia’s Domestic and Family Violence Connect Line on 1800 879 163

1800RESPECT

A national family and domestic violence and sexual harm counselling service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s confidential and free to call.

To contact 1800RESPECT:

• call 1800 737 732 to speak with a professional counsellor
• use the services directory on the 1800RESPECT website to find help in your area
• visit to the 1800RESPECT website.