Home>Your Family>Counselling and Emergency Relief> Family Violence

Family Violence

Knox City Council is committed to working to prevent violence against women

'See Past the Stereotype' Campaign

The three See Past the Stereotype films and infographic were developed as part of the 'Preventing Violence against Women in Our Community' (PVAWC) project between Knox City Council, Maroondah City Council and Yarra Ranges Council. You can find out more about the project further down this page.

The films were created to challenge the gender stereotypes and harmful attitudes towards women which contribute to creating a culture that condones, excuses and perpetuates violence against women. The specific purpose of the films is to create awareness about gender stereotyping and make people think twice before assuming something about someone else based on their gender.

Each film focuses on a common scenario where assumptions are made about someone based on their gender;

The PVAWC project infographic was designed to highlight the work the three Councils had undertaken to contribute to preventing violence against women. The purpose of the infographic is to also highlight the prevalence and seriousness of violence against women, whilst also drawing attention to the underlying causes and pointing to the ways it is possible to have an impact.

Preventing Violence against Women initiatives at Knox

Knox City Council recently partnered with Maroondah City Council and Yarra Ranges Council on a State Government funded project called Preventing Violence against Women in Our Community. The project ran from November 2011 to December 2014.

Key project highlights include:

Formal commitment to support an eastern region approach to preventing violence against women by making a public commitment to the Women’s Health East Together for Equality and Respect Strategy.
The “Real men don’t hit chicks” campaign run during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. Men from Knox wearing the campaign t-shirts congregated in Knox Ozone over lunchtime to send the message that violence against women is unacceptable. The campaign was also promoted via Knox City Council's Facebook page and Twitter.
Development of The Locker Room, a project which aimed to use an artistic platform to provoke thought and stimulate conversation about violence against women in the community. The Cultural Services team lead the project, working closely with the Community Access & Equity Coordinator, Youth Services, Leisure Services and Community Safety teams.
Development of a staff Family Violence Policy.
Participation in and leadership of the “A Gender Lens for Leisure” project that produced a suite of recommendations on how Leisure Services can work to promote the greater participation, inclusion and respect of women and girls in sport and recreation activities. A report was produced as part of this project.

Further information regarding 'Preventing Violence Against Women in Our Community' can be found in the Final Project report.

The reasons why Knox is committed to addressing this issue

What is violence against women?

Any act directed at a woman that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering. This includes threats of such behaviour and abuse that is verbal, emotional, social and/or financial in nature. [Reference 1]
Family violence and sexual assault are the most pervasive forms of violence experienced by women in Victoria. [Reference 2]
Whilst anyone can be a victim of family violence or sexual assault, it is predominantly committed by men against women, children and other vulnerable persons. [Reference 3]
Evidence suggests that most violence against women is perpetrated by a male acquaintance, intimate partner, or other relative. [Reference 4]

Violence against women is serious

Violence in the home is the biggest contributor to death, disability and health problems for Victorian women aged 15-45.
Family violence and sexual assault perpetrated against women costs the nation $13.6billion each year.
Violence against women has devastating effects on women and girls' long term physical and mental health, with serious ramifications for the wellbeing of families, communities and societies.

Violence against women is prevalent

1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence from the age of 15.
Nearly 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. [Reference 5]
According to the latest Victoria Police figures, Knox recorded the highest rate of reported family violence incidents in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

A focus on prevention

While it is important to improve responses to incidents of violence, it is equally critical that investment and commitment is made to creating a future where women can live free from violence.

It is possible to prevent violence before it occurs by addressing the underlying causes or determinants of violence against women.

The key determinants of violence against women are:

Unequal power relations between men and women;
Adherence to rigid stereotypes;
Broader cultures of violence.

Preventing violence against women is about building systems, cultures, organisations, and communities that are safe and inclusive of women and promote equal and respectful relationships between men and women.
For more information on the determinants and contributing factors to violence against women please visit the VicHealth Preventing Violence Against Women website.

Family Violence and Sexual Assault Services

If you or someone you know needs help with family violence or sexual assault, please refer to our
16 Days of Activism again Gender Based Violence page for a list of services available.