Council & Politics
23 November, 2025
Campaigning for an end to family violence
COUNCILLOR Karen Hyslop has ushered in her second term as Northern Grampians Shire Mayor by throwing her support behind a global campaign aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. The communities of Stawell and St Arnaud will have an opportunity to participate in Walks Against Family Violence as part of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Cr Hyslop said the events provided a great opportunity to raise awareness of family violence and stand in solidarity with victim survivors.
“People of all ages and genders are welcome, bring along your friends, family, colleagues, anyone you like,” the Mayor said.
“If you can, wear orange, the colour of the campaign, and bring along colourful signs and banners.
“These events focus on such an important topic, family violence does exist in our communities and we all need to play a role in stopping it.”
The St Arnaud event is slated for 10:30am Thursday, November 28, participants will gather at Queen Mary Gardens and walk to the town hall where morning tea will be served.
A week later it’s Stawell’s turn, as participants gather at Stawell Library for a 10.30am start on Thursday, December 5 and will walk to Stawell Neighbourhood House for morning tea.
Cr Hyslop acknowledged the efforts of the Shire’s Family Violence Prevention Project Officer, Sandy Bevan, for her organisation of the events, along with her tireless efforts working in the family violence space.
“Councils are uniquely placed in communities to play a key role in primary prevention, as a major employer and provider of community services,” said Cr Hyslop.
“By taking a whole-of-council approach, we are looking to build primary prevention techniques in everything that we do.”
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starts November 25 on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10 which is International Human Rights Day.
Lights at Stawell Town Hall and Big Hill will shine purple, a colour symbolising domestic violence, throughout the 16 day period, and information posters featuring helpline phone numbers will be installed at public toilets across the shire.
Several council employees have trained to become Family Violence Contact Officers, providing information to colleagues and the community.
During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, organisations and individuals from around the world raise awareness that men’s violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights.
Cr Hyslop said the United Nations defined violence against women as ‘any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or in private life’.
“Statistics from Our Watch show one in four women, 27 per cent, has experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a cohabitating partner since the age of 15,” she said, “In Australia, intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 25 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor.”
“We need the whole community to play a role in helping create a future where we are all safe, equal and respected.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491. In an emergency, call triple zero.
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