Healthy Communities

Getting help

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing violence and would like further support, contact one of the below organisations:

• 1800RESPECT (National) - 1800 737 732
• The Orange Door (Barwon region) - 1800 312 820
• Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (Barwon and Wimmera region) - 03 5222 4318

What is violence against women

Violence against women is any behaviour by another person that causes a woman to feel fear. There are many forms of violence - physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and stalking. Any behaviour that is threatening, forceful, controlling or dominates that person, is considered abuse.

Violence against women is a common and serious problem in Australia. Around one in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15 years, and one in three has experienced sexual violence. In approximately 95% of cases, the perpetrator of violence was male. (ABS 2018).

Violence against women is the biggest cause of ill health and early death in woman ages 15-44.

What are we doing

We aim to prevent violence against women and seek to change attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to take place. 

Barwon Health is working to strengthen our response to family violence throughout our services and supports the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan, making sure we meet all requirements of the Victorian Gender Equality Act 2020.

We share information to raise issues, change attitudes and behaviours through International Women’s Day, Candlelight Vigil, and the 16 days of Activism (to end gender-based violence).

The Respect Netball Cup

In partnership with Netball Victoria, Barwon Community Legal Services and the Education Department of Victoria, we developed The Barwon Respect Netball Cup. This event supports community organisations to work with regional school students to take the lead in promoting healthy relationships, gender equity and respect.

Secondary (year nine) students take part in workshops exploring issues of consent, gender equity, the role of the bystander and preventing gender-based violence.

Primary (year five) students join in workshops that improve their ability to safely recognise and respond to gender stereotypes in language and school settings.

These activities follow a mixed, round-robin netball competition.Results have shown students become more aware of consent and gender equity issues. Their confidence grows, and are capable to start activities preventing gender inequities and relationship abuse.

Resources