preventing violence against women network updates - web viewa social marketing campaign will also be...
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MAV Preventing Violence Against Women (PVAW) Network
Member Updates – June 2013
1. CENTRAL VICTORIAN PVAW CLUSTER - MT ALEXANDER SHIRE COUNCIL, MACEDON RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL & CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO
Contact name for any enquiries: Teresa Dowd Email: [email protected]
HIGHLIGHT FROM THE CENTRAL VICTORIAN CLUSTER
Whilst there are a number of initiatives happening across the cluster, including the rolling out over the last month of the Dunny Door Campaign across Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges Shires and the development of EBA FV clauses, the most exciting news is in the area of Gender and Emergency Management.
Emergency Management and Prevention of Violence Against Women.At Macedon Ranges Shire the local Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee responded to a presentation based on the Women’s Health Goulburn North paper The Way He Tells It, a research project conducted after the Black Saturday bush fires, with a motion to establish a sub-committee to explore Emergency Management and prevention of violence against women. The subcommittee has met and a Terms of Reference have been developed. The committee will explore how agencies involved in emergency planning, response and recovery can incorporate gender considerations into the work they do. This is an exciting initiative in the community as it involves a number of agencies, including the CFA, Victoria Police, SES, DSE, Red Cross and others.
In addition to this, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires have each nominated an officer to work on the MAV Gender and Emergency Management Advisory Group designed to work with the MAV on implementing their Gender and Emergency Management Strategy.
Additional work in this area involves the cluster coordinator working with a Consultant to roll out some community information and awareness raising session about the increase in violence against women in times of disaster.
This work will be on-going and a focus for the cluster.
2. DAREBIN CITY COUNCIL
Contact name for enquiries: Teneille Summers Email: [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Darebin City Council endorsed the Council Plan 2013-2017, which includes a goal relating to gender equity; promote gender equity, prevent violence against women and support the right of women to engage and participate fully and equally in all aspects of community life.
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A number of staff participated in Gender Analysis Training and Identifying Family Violence Training (internally) with Women’s health in the North.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Working with Youth services to develop a school-based short program (approx. 2 hours), which will cover the impact of gender roles and stereotypes, respect and equity within relationships and signs of abuse in relationships.
3. KINGSTON CITY COUNCIL
Contact name for any enquiries: Deb Webb Email: [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Have put up PVAW signs in public toilets around Kingston. Have linked up with and Support Groups for Indian women run by Dr Lata Satyen. Currently converting PVAW fact sheet into plain English for People with disability and People from ESL
background who are learning English.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Put up PVAW Signs in Sporting Clubs Planning to approach hospitals GP’s Retail operators to put up signs either Dunny Door Stickers or our PVAW Signs Having a PVAW Morning Tea for White ribbon day Running an information PVAW Forum
4. MELTON CITY COUNCIL
Contact name for any enquiries: Sarah Edwards Email: [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Melton City Council is delivering the Take a Stand: Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Business Program to all of its permanent staff (approx 550). On June 2, Melton City Council’s Leadership Group (over 70 staff including Executive Management Team) attended a session to hear about their role to implement the program within the organisation.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
During the coming months, staff will attend two Take a Stand training sessions to learn about how they can champion violence prevention in the workplace, and to familiarise themselves with the recently developed
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Melton City Council Family Violence Policy and Procedures. For further information, please contact Sarah Edwards at Melton City Council [email protected] or 9747 7244. Alternatively contact Deb Nicholson at Women’s Health Victoria [email protected] or 9664 9300.
5. MONASH CITY COUNCIL
Contact name for any enquiries: Natalie Russell/Laura WoodEmail: [email protected], [email protected] ,
Information on council’s website relating to this work: http://www.monash.vic.gov.au/safety-women
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Monash City Council is implementing the Generating Equality and Respect Program, (previously Respect, Responsibility and Equality’ Phase IV demonstration site program) in partnership with MonashLink Community Health Service and VicHealth. A Prevention Plan of Action (2013-2015), Communication Strategy and new program name and brand has been developed and Clayton has been selected as the ‘demonstration site’ where the majority of program activities will occur.
An official program launch was held on 13 May by the Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs, The Honorable Heidi Victoria MP, at Clayton Community Centre. Sixty people attended the launch from a range of areas, including local government, family violence sector, community health and women’s health . A media release and picture from the event is available on the Monash council website.
Alongside this, work has commenced within council to promote and build respectful and equitable gender relations, which includes: Consultation with staff and teams to identify gaps, strengths and opportunities for primary prevention and
gender equity work. Presentations delivered on ‘Generating Equality and Respect’ to a number of teams from across Council and
external networks. Delivering a VicHealth short course for staff from various teams across Monash City Council and MonashLink
to increase their knowledge and skills on preventing violence against women and promoting gender equity. Opportunities to embed gender equity and PVAW into council plans, policies and strategies are being
explored and actioned. Supporting the Arts and Cultural Development Department to develop a public lecture for the annual Sir
John Monash Public Lecture which explores the construction of gender. Please see the flyer for this event if you would like more info or are interested in attending.
The Monash City Council PVAW section of the website has been updated and a sub-site has been developed for the Generating Equality and Respect program, which houses the recent June e-newsletter, and program postcard depicting the program brand and key message (NB – it is double-sided).
An article on Generating Equality and Respect was included in the recent MAV civic magazine, along with a gender equity piece from the Monash Mayor.
In addition to implementing Generating Equality and Respect, Monash Council is working collaboratively with Women's Health East and partners of Together for Equality & Respect: A Strategy to Prevent Violence Against Women in Melbourne's East to contribute regionally to the prevention of violence against women.
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WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
During the second half of 2013, specific program activities will commence in Clayton as part of Generating Equality and Respect with a range of groups and organisations. This includes:
The Baby Makes 3 Program - delivered in partnership with Monash City Council maternal and child health service. Baby Makes 3 aims to increase the capacity of first time parents to build and maintain equal and respectful relationships.
Partners in Prevention (PIP) - A Monash-wide network for youth-focused individuals and organisations to provide them with resources, professional development and support, to plan and deliver respectful relationships initiatives with young people and schools.
A program evaluation framework for Generating Equality and Respect is in development and will be completed in the second half of the year.
A social marketing campaign will also be delivered in the second half of this year part of Council’s broader preventing violence against women health promotion objectives. Consultation is underway with stakeholders in regards to the most appropriate locations and settings for the activities, which may include; banners, bus shelter advertising and signs for footpaths and buildings, e-newsletters, social media, magnets for garbage trucks and pool cars and Council website. The signage will use the key message and brand developed through the Generating Equality and Respect Program.
6. MORELAND CITY COUNCIL
Contact name for enquiries: May Haeder Email: [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2011-2015 endorsed by Council, 10th April Family Violence Prevention Action Plan 2013-2014 completed and being printed Presentation by Andrew Day, Director of Social Development at the National White Ribbon Conference
in Sydney, May 2013 Moreland hosted “The North Commits to Building a Respectful Community”, May 6 th. 49 organisations
attended from local government, health and community organisations. Family Violence staff training held in May Moreland Council Domestic Animal Management Plan amended to include one week’s free housing for
animals in situations where urgent relocation is required as a result of violence. Recruitment luncheon held for White Ribbon Action Team. Very successful, 26 attendees and many
people new to the program attended.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Implementation of Domestic Animal Management Plan. Moreland Family Violence Network commencing planning for Week Without Violence. Council working towards accreditation under the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Pilot project.
7. OUTER EAST PVAW CLUSTER – KNOX, MAROONDAH AND YARRA RANGES COUNCILS
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Contact name for any enquiries: Anna Stewart Email: [email protected]
Information online relating to this work: http://www.knox.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=3516
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Formation of an internal Leisure Services and Gender Equity working group at Maroondah City Council to explore ways to promote the inclusion, safety and respect of women and girls in recreation activities.
Coordination of a field excursion for the three council’s Leisure Services, Building Services and Asset Management staff to see examples of Moreland City Council sporting facilities that had been refurbished to better accommodate women and girls.
Participation in a panel discussion at the Australian Women’s Health Conference on the partnership work between local government, women’s health services, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and VicHealth on preventing violence against women and promoting gender equity.
Consultation to inform the development of the Maroondah City Council Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan included an online community forum topic on gender equity.
Delivery of a one hour “Gender Matters” presentation to Knox City Council Preschool Services staff. The presentation focused on unpacking what gender means and exploring the ways in which early educators can play a role in challenging rigid gender stereotypes and promoting diverse gender roles.
Development of a Maroondah City Council public statement on preventing violence against women led by Mayor Cr Nora Lamont.
Both Yarra Ranges Council and Maroondah City Council CEOs and Community Service Directors, and the Knox Manager of Community Wellbeing attended the launch of Women’s Health East’s Together for Equality and Respect: A Strategy to Prevent Violence against Women in Melbourne’s East 2013-2017. The Maroondah Mayor also attended. All three councils signed the commitment banner to represent their resolve to work toward prevent violence against women.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Delivery of a professional development session for the three council’s Local Laws staff on the role that they can play in responding to and preventing violence against women – scheduled for July 2013.
Implementation of a project aimed at developing a gendered facilities audit tool and checklist that can be used to support the design and refurbishment of council leisure facilities that explicitly recognise and cater to women’s and girls’ priorities, needs and patterns of usage.
8. STRATHBOGIE SHIRE COUNCIL
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Contact name for any enquiries: Colleen Furlanetto Email: [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Council continues to imbed PVAW and C issues in our plans and policy. Council also has continued partnership with the Euroa Football netball club, in 2012 they held two white ribbon games and this year continued their support to this issue.
The Euroa Football Netball Club in 2013, the clubs second in a commitment to raise awareness of the White ribbon campaign. The club supports raising awareness of the issues of violence, safety and respect in our and all communities. The commitment to continue to support raising awareness of this difficult issue I congratulate and thank the Euroa Football Netball Club community, for their continued support.
EFNC President Scott Watson white ribbon nominated ambassador 2012, was joined this year by the Reserves Coach Lucas Paul as nominated 2013 ambassador. Scott and Lucas have shown their commitment to raising awareness of this challenging community issue. EFNC President Scott Watson said, "our sports club is always keen to raise awareness for worthy causes and this one is no exception. To have a key positive influential component to the work we can do for those involved in our club and town is certainly a privilege and a great responsibility."
Information was provided in white bags with a collection of key contacts and support agencies available for anyone who may need support.
I look forward to continuing the journey with EFNC and we will be encouraging and would welcome any other club or organisation who may be interested in supporting raising awareness.
While the game day Saturday 15th June was a challenge on the score board the teams showed great commitment right till the end of game and were respectful to their opponents Shep Swans who took the points on the day. The EFNC shows great leadership and active citizenship in supporting the campaign with the players wearing white arm band tape on the day.
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WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
We are hoping for a round of all the GVFL to have a white ribbon day at all the games.
We have another league which our other communities play in and will be trying to gain their support also.
9. WHITTLESEA CITY COUNCIL
Elizabeth Meade 9217 2192 [email protected] Nick Mazzarella 9217 2302 [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
We are currently in the process of designing a new sporting pavilion to be built within 1-2 years. Our Planning and Major Projects directorate is utilising this opportunity to pilot the application of a gender lens to improve access and inclusion of women and girls in this space.
The design is looking at existing tools/principles and adapting them to suit our community needs. We intend to develop a ‘checklist’ of points to consider based on our experiences to then apply to other projects. This will enable us to document our learnings and decisions made to inform future designs.
A key part of this project is the social meetings space, which will be approximately double the usual amount of space allocated to a pavilion of this size to enhance opportunity for community groups to access this space (such as calisthenics, play groups, yoga, tai chi, boot camps etc), storage areas are proposed to enable users to operate from the new pavilion. This will greatly improve access to recreation space for women and families. The kitchen will encompass the alcohol service area rather than it becoming a focal point of this space.
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The message clear at the front gate This young fellow supporting his club, and like the players, was proud to wear his white arm band on the day.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Currently in design phase and we are developing the checklist as we go along. Construction of the two ovals should be completed within a year. The buildings should begin within 1-2 years.
We are interested in hearing from other councils who are planning similar projects or have previous learnings to share and will share our learnings via MAV PVAW network as we move through the project.
10. WOMEN’S HEALTH IN THE NORTH
Contact name for any enquiries: Sandra Morris Email: [email protected]
Information online relating to this work: http://www.whin.org.au/
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
'The North Commits to Building a Respectful Community' - Moreland Civic Centre on Monday 6th May, 2013
Forty-nine local government, health and community organisations from the northern region of Melbourne have made a public commitment to actions to prevent violence against women. The commitment involved the region's seven Councils, nine Community Health Services, three Primary Care Partnerships, and members of the Northern Integrated Family Violence Services Strategic Network.
The event also featured a presentation from Dr Victor Sojo, Research Fellow at the Melbourne Business School's Centre for Ethical Leadership, on their ground-breaking 'Gender Equality Project'.
WHIN's CEO, Helen Riseborough, said the event was the most significant demonstration of cross-sectoral commitment to preventing violence against women that the northern region had seen.
'Thousands of women in the northern region live in fear, with violence and abuse part of their daily existence. The leaders of our local government, health and community organisations in the north agree that this is intolerable', Ms Riseborough said. 'The event highlights their ongoing commitment to eliminating violence against women and investing in a safer, more equitable and respectful community.'
Chief executives, senior managers and mayors signed a banner to commit to the vision and goals of Building a Respectful Community - Preventing Violence against women: A Strategy for the Northern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne 2011-2016.
Their commitments were published in an Achievements and Commitments Report. An (unsigned) copy of the banner is available now and a signed version will be made available shortly. Article taken from WHIN website http://www.whin.org.au/
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11. YMCA VICTORIA
Contact name for any enquiries: Scott Holmes Email: [email protected]
RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
The Y Respect Gender Project at YMCA Victoria continues to work at building capacity for workplace commitment to primary prevention strategies. Recent activities include:
Staff workshops presented at Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre and at Wonthaggi Recreation Centre Presentation on gender equality and gender stereotyping at the annual Children’s Services Forum (YMCA
Vic staff working in children’s services) Articles regularly published in YMCA Vic e-newsletters (eg National Families Week, White Ribbon
Conference Report, IDAHO, Workplace Gender Equality Agency) Gender equality content developed for manager training module on EEO, Bullying and Harassment Project Newsletter published (May edition) Project coordinator presented at the White Ribbon Conference in Sydney in May, on ‘Work practices,
masculine norms, and gender equality’
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YMCA Vic Centres encouraged to make submissions to Council Draft Plans Workplace Gender Equality Agency Report submitted Interim evaluation report completed by evaluation partner Project Team meetings
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Development of further training strategies and content to be taken up by Learning and Development team Continued work with three Pilot Sites Exploration of potential for women’s mentoring program Further work in marketing and communications Further work in encouraging engagement of senior leadership
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