The 16 Days of Activism (25 November to 10 December 2022) theme this year is ‘UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls’. A number of events including a social media campaign will be held in Broken Hill during the 16 Days of Activism to raise community awareness of the prevalence and impact of gendered violence against women and girls.
Far West LHD VANS Manager Mrs Sherree Ferrall said the campaign will help raise awareness and educate the local community about support services available.
NSW Police statistics indicate that in Broken Hill from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 there were 1,461 domestic family violence related incidents (including domestic violence-related assaults and domestic violence-related breaches of AVOs).
”Gender-based violence against women and girls includes harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, coercive control, physical violence, sexual violence, verbal abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, social economic abuse and spiritual abuse,” she said.
“We’re hoping this campaign will highlight how domestic and family violence remains a significant issue for female and male victims, their children, families and extended kinship connections within our community.”
A community awareness day will be held in the Broken Hill Town Square on Friday 9 December, where interagency partners will hold stalls with information and handouts for the community about support services available to them.
Mission Australia will also be providing a free barbecue for all attendees.
The day will feature an interactive installation of 1,461 eco-friendly pinwheels in the Town Square lawn representing the prevalence of reported domestic violence related incidents in Broken Hill in the 2021/22 financial year.
Mrs Ferrall said pinwheels are used as a therapeutic tool to assist children and young people with emotional regulation and sensory modulation.
“In this visual installation the pinwheels represent the circle of violence, but also of hope and change for the future. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Town Square so they can choose their favourite pinwheel to take home,” she said.
Art works completed by local high school students who have attended Lovebites (a respectful relationship education program) will also be on display.
If you or someone you knows needs support please contact the Far West LHD Violence Abuse and Neglect Service on (08) 8080 1100 or present to the Broken Hill Community Health Centre 2-4 Sulphide Street Broken Hill (9am to 5pm) or call the 24/7 Crisis Response Service response on (08) 8080 1300 or present to your nearest FWLHD Emergency Department.