Hundreds rally for the elimination of violence against women
Hundreds have braved spring rain in Hobart to take a stand denouncing violence against women and girls. The message — speak up.
Tasmania
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SPEAKING up is the key to reducing the incidence of violence against women and girls, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Jo Palmer told attendees at an anti-violence rally on Friday.
Several hundred people, including parliamentarians, public sector leaders and emergency services joined community members in the Walk for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Ms Palmer told the crowd that all Tasmanians had a role to play, by speaking up.
“One of the biggest issues we have in this space is the word silence,” she said.
“Wherever there’s silence, there is an environment where perpetrators can commit and continue to perpetrate violence.
“We need to be loud in this space — really loud, because silence is the biggest barrier to making sure that we can live in a society free of violence.
“We need to hear the stories, and we need to share those stories. And we need to shine a spotlight on what do is happening, call it out when it’s wrong, call it out when it’s not acceptable.”
Northern Midlands mayor Mary Knowles recounted to the crowd her own story as a survivor of both family and intimate partner abuse and violence.
She said only united and concerted community action would bring about change — although there is still a long way to go
“We have changed the culture of smoking, of wearing seatbelts, we must change the culture of what is unacceptable behaviour.
“In the recent local government elections, and this is my fifth time standing, disrespectful behaviour of some of the candidates and many people in our communities – mostly keyboard warriors – was atrocious, the worst I have ever seen.”
State service chief Jenny Gale said the government had partnered with Our Watch to help improve outcomes for workers experiencing violence and abuse.
“As one of Tasmania’s largest employers, the state service has an important role to play in fostering a culture where all forms of family and sexual violence are unacceptable and victim-survivors are supported to escape violence, recover and heal,” she said.
Ms Palmer on Friday launched Tasmania’s third Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan 2022-2027, Survivors at the Centre has been launched.
Survivors at the Centre, has the voice of victim-survivors at its heart. It has been developed and will be implemented through a nation-leading 12-month community consultation which engaged hundreds of Tasmanians.
It was welcomed by Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Michelle O’Byrne and Sexual Assault Support Service CEO Jill Maxwell.
“I am pleased and encouraged to see the emphasis on collaboration in the plan,” says Ms Maxwell said.
“SASS is committed to playing a role in driving positive change, not just through government but also in the many communities around Tasmania.”
“This year we’ve all heard so much about the lived experiences of survivors of sexual violence, through the Commission of Inquiry and the Lived Experiences survey. As a sector, a government and a community we need to be taking a trauma-informed approach to all services, not just counselling support.”
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