Prevention of violence against women and children

We are actively working with the community to reduce violence against women and children in the following ways:

Each year, from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December, World Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.

During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an initiative that Council strongly supports. As part of this initiative, Mount Alexander Shire Council, in partnership with the Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network, is supporting Respect Victoria’s Respect:Call it Out campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The following activities have been planned for our community to come together, get involved and raise awareness about gender based violence.

Friday 27 November 6pm to 7pm at the Phee Broadway Theatre foyer, Castlemaine
Art Exhibition "Respect: See it Through" and Break the Chain dance

Sunday 6 December 11am to 12pm at Victory Park, Castlemaine
Family Violence vigil, Break the Chain dance and Portraits of Respect campaign

Break the Chain dance (click on this link to access free classes with Movement Zone Dance Studio to participate in any or all of the performances)

Please note all activities will be held according to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines.

Download the 16 Days of Activism activities poster

The Gender Equity Statement demonstrates our commitment to gender equity, both within our core business and in the community.

View the statement.

Whilst the statement does not have a particular focus on violence against women, we recognise that promoting gender equity is one of the key steps towards preventing violence from occurring.

The Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children was developed by Council in 2014.

View the plan.

The Action Plan is based on the framework of Loddon Mallee Action Plan for the Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women. It demonstrates our commitment to implementing actions to the prevention of violence against women and children.

View the Loddon Mallee Action Plan.

Developed in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and Macedon Ranges Shire Council, this resource card lists local and state-based services available to people experiencing, or at risk of, family violence.

The Breaking the Silence card also aims to educate the community about available services, as well as signs or behaviours that indicate someone is experiencing family violence.

The card is available at community hubs around the shire including Castlemaine Community House, Castlemaine District Community Health, Castlemaine Health, Castlemaine Library, Civic Centre, Maldon Hospital, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, and Newstead Rural Transaction Centre.

View the Breaking the Silence Card.

Listed below are a range of services both locally and statewide to assist women, men and young people who have experienced violence, or are in potentially violent situations.