Preventing violence in our community

We all deserve to be safe, equal and respected.

On average, one woman in Australia is killed by a man they know each week. It doesn’t have to be this way.

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). The campaign promotes gender equality and encourages communities to take action to prevent gender-based violence.

In Victoria, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is led by Respect Victoria, supported by Safe + Equal.

Council was proud to support the campaign once again in 2025.

Visit the Safe + Equal website to see events happening in your community.

Webinars

Respect Is: Supporting young people to build healthy relationships

In November 2025 Council partnered with Monash City Council, Knox City Council and Yarra Ranges Council to deliver a webinar addressing the importance of healthy relationships in the lives of young people. Parents and carers were invited to learn more about breaking down gender stereotypes, encouraging respect and how to have important conversations around wellbeing with their young people.

The webinar was moderated by Rana Hussain, a pioneer in the realms of inclusion and belonging. With a career marked by a relentless pursuit of positive change and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity, Rana stands as a powerful advocate for social integration and reduction of discrimination. The panel of speakers included: Lindsay Marchment, social worker and project manager at The Man Cave; Jessica Sanders, social worker, educator and best-selling, award-winning author; and Angie Tsimaras, third-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science scholar and neurodiversity mentor at Deakin University.

You can view a recording of the webinar below:

Start the Conversation: Family Violence Prevention is Everyone’s Business

In December 2024 Council partnered with Monash City Council and Knox City Council to deliver a webinar addressing the impacts of family violence. The webinar provided information on available support for those experiencing family violence, examined key drivers of family violence such as gender inequality, and discussed strategies for preventing family violence.

The webinar was moderated by Patricia Karvelas, a prominent Australian journalist, television and radio host, podcaster, political journalist, and commentator. The panel of speakers included: Professor JaneMaree Maher from Centre for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, Sociology, Monash University; Julie-Ann, an advocate with lived experience; and Trent Larkman, a primary prevention and inclusivity educator.

You can view a recording of the webinar below:

Changing the story to promote gender equality together project

In 2017, a research project was undertaken by Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges Councils and Inspiro Community Health Service in partnership with nine local sporting clubs across the three municipalities. The purpose of the project was to identify the practical actions sporting clubs can undertake to promote and normalise gender equality within their clubs, and help change the story of violence against women.

A key outcome of the project was the development and pilot of a Gender Equity Audit tool, the production of a short film and an online resource for sporting club committees titled Equality is the Game!

Short film: Equality is the Game!

The short film Equality is the Game! highlights the stories of local clubs across a range of codes who have implemented changes to promote gender equality and the benefits they have experienced.

Sporting Club Committee Resource

The resources highlight the practical actions clubs can undertake to contribute to the prevention of violence against women by creating safe, equal and respectful environments for all members, particularly women and girls.

Sporting Club Committee Resource(PDF, 5MB)

Creating a place for women in sport – Sporting Club Self Assessment Tool

The Creating a Place for Women in Sport & Recreation Gender Equity Self Assessment Tool is a refinement of the Gender Audit Tool initially piloted as part of the Our Codes Our Clubs Project which has been reviewed and redeveloped by Yarra Ranges Council, Inspiro and EACH in 2018.

The resource is a practical tool to help clubs identify strengths and opportunities to promote gender equality.

The tool aims to assist clubs to recognise how they are going in relation to gender equality and to look at different areas of their environment, including leadership, club culture, membership and engagement, volunteers and employees and facilities.

It provides an opportunity for clubs to learn and discuss ways it can create environments where women and men can equally participate in sport and physical activity. The tool also includes an opportunity to record key successes and areas for improvement via a club action plan. 

Further information

For further information or assistance with undertaking the assessment, or if you're involved in a sporting club and think it could benefit from this initiative please contact Jeanette Ingram, Sports and Recreation Planning and Policy officer on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.