Frankston City turns orange to fight gender-based violence

Published on 25 November 2021

The annual 16 Days of Activism (16DoA) campaign has again kicked off in Frankston City, as Council joins partners Respect Victoria and Domestic Violence Victoria in working to end gender-based violence.

Council has created its biggest ever calendar of events, including the projection of ‘Respect Is” messaging at the Frankston Arts Centre as a beacon for the community.

16DoA is an annual United Nations campaign to challenge violence against women and girls, beginning on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and ending on International Human Rights Day (10 December).

Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous partner since the age of 15 years.

Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy said: “The 16 days of Activism campaign is a way for us to declare that violence in any form is unacceptable, but particularly when perpetrated against vulnerable members of our community.

“The campaign traditionally has an orange theme, which as a bright and optimistic colour, represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls,” Mayor Conroy said.

Council will be hosting a variety of free engagement activities to promote Frankston City as a safe and inclusive community, including:

Frankston City Libraries
FrankTALK with Jess Hill
Monday 29 November, 7pm, online, FREE, bookings essential.
Tune in to a live Zoom with one of Australia’s leading investigative journalists and writer of SBS docuseries See What You Made Me Do.

Karingal PLACE Neighbourhood Centre
Love Shouldn’t Hurt community presentation (women-only event)
Tuesday 30 November, 10–10.45am, online, free, bookings essential.
15 minute presentation followed by Q&A. Join us to listen to experts from the Peninsula Community Legal Centre talk about gender-based violence in relationships and what to look out for when your relationship doesn’t feel right.

Respecting Seniors Network
Walking 16 K’s in 16 Days – Steps for Respect
Respecting Seniors Network in partnership with Zonta Melbourne South East and Zonta. Mornington Peninsula are leading a walking campaign against ageism, sexism and violence throughout the 16 Days.

Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre
#CookingWithOrange
All members of the community are invited to create a dish or drink with orange as the key colour or ingredient and share an image on Facebook or Instagram. @FrankstonSouthCommunityCentre

Online event: Wednesday 1 December, 4pm

Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre and Frankston Youth Services
#ColourMeOrange
Young people aged 15 – 24 years are invited to show their support by creating and sharing their 'Respect Is ...' themed art or craft and incorporating the colour orange.

Mayor Conroy said: “I would like to thank all of those local businesses who have chosen to show their support for the campaign this year with our promotional coffee kits to help spread messages of respect. Likewise, we had an incredible response from local sporting clubs, with players wearing orange arm bands during games, many who will host dedicated ‘16 Days of Activism Rounds’.

“I would also like to acknowledge our incredible L2P driver mentors, who are working with Women’s Health in the South East to strengthen their knowledge and understanding around factors that contribute to gender-based violence and explore appropriate ways to respond to disclosures from learner drivers.

“My fellow Councillors and I are passionate about this issue and it has been wonderful to see such a passionate and enthusiastic response from across the organisation to this year’s campaign. I encourage our wider community to show their support,” Mayor Conroy said.

To get involved or for available support services, please click here.