The Change for Sam Initiative is sharing free resources for local businesses, groups and individuals to use during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.
In the lead up to the 16 days of Activism, the Crime Statistics Agency has recorded a 17.7 per cent increase in reported family violence incidences in the year to June 2020 for the Bass Coast area, well above the state average of 6.7 per cent.
“We are encouraging the Phillip Island and Bass Coast community to get involved in preventing family violence in our community,” said Teea Stepto, Change for Sam Coordinator.
“Whilst COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the Change for Sam Initiative from running community events and activities in 2020, we still want everyone to get involved. The simplest way to show your support is by using our free resources.”
The resources include four virtual backgrounds for use on Zoom and other on-line meeting platforms, 16 posters developed by WIRE you can display, and a Facebook Profile Frame that can be downloaded by the public during the 16 days.
These resources can be downloaded from the Change for Sam website www.changeforsam.com.au/campaign-resources.
“The rising rates of family violence incidences in our community continues to motivate and guide the direction of the Change for Sam initiative,” said Samiro Douglas, Change for Sam Chairperson.
"We are engaging with a number of partner organisations and groups including Bass Coast Health and The Orange Door to improve crisis response services on Phillip Island and in Bass Coast.”
Call Triple Zero (000) for Police or other emergency services if you require immediate assistance.
The Orange Door is a free support service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have previously experienced family violence. 1800 319 354, www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria’s state-wide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. 1800 015 188, www.safesteps.org.au.
Find out more at the Change for Sam website.