A HORSHAM Rural City Council initiative was amongst 10 council projects showcased as examples of local government leading the way in the prevention of violence against women.
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The Municipal Association of Victoria event last week shared some of the latest innovative practice and learning opportunities in local government to prevent violence against women and embed gender equality.
The Wimmera Act@Work to Prevent Violence Against Women project is designed to enable councils in the Wimmera to provide support to women experiencing violence, while also addressing the underlying causes of violence against women in the workplace and broader community.
Horsham Rural City Council commissioned Women’s Health Grampians to deliver the project at the four participating councils – Horsham Rural City, West Wimmera Shire, Yarriambiack Shire, and Hindmarsh Shire.
Horsham council community services director Kevin O’Brien said the program identified the workplace as a key setting for creating cultural change.
“The program focused on changing workforce culture, which then leads to change in the community,” he said.
“The best thing about the project has been seeing staff reflect on how they interact with women both in the workforce and at home, and adjusting their behaviour as a result, as well as staff challenging each other on the ways we expect to be treated.”
The resources developed through each of the 10 projects are being shared with all councils across the state, through a new publication ‘Victorian councils leading the way’ on the MAV website.