Yarriambiack Shire Council: Violence against women leadership statement developed
YARRIAMBIACK Shire Council has developed a leadership statement for the prevention of violence against women.
The statement supports a Municipal Association of Victoria statement developed in 2012.
Community services manager Gavin Blinman said council had worked with Women's Health Grampians to develop the leadership statement.
He said many other councils were also developing and promoting similar statements.
"We have an opportunity to work with our businesses and key community stakeholders to launch our own campaign to reduce the incidence of violence in our community," he said.
Yarriambiack's statement includes a vision plus five main commitments.
The statement reads that council encourages all people to endorse its action and say 'no' to violence in all forms against women.
"Our vision for the Yarriambiack Shire is safe, respectful and equitable communities where women and children live free from violence and abuse," the statement said.
Council agreed to advocate for resources and programs to promote a whole-of-community approach to the prevention of violence against women; for resources and services that would help support women and children who had experienced violence; and for resources and services for men who used violence to address their behaviour and contribute to the safety of others.
The statement said council would ensure all staff understood the issue and contributed towards prevention.
"We will promote positive role models for men and women and strive for gender equality in the workplace," it said.
Other actions include promoting the role of local government, supporting local businesses and informing the community.
"Yarriambiack Shire Council will assist in educating the community about the importance of making a stand and not accepting violence against women in their community or town by challenging sexism, discrimination and violence," the statement said.
"Council will also encourage our community not to accept violence towards them and to speak out against violence with assistance from support agencies.''
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