Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie and Indigo mayor Jenny O’Connor are two of the 32 leaders to sign a joint statement to say “no” to violence.

“We stand united in our concern about the unacceptable level of family violence in our communities and we hear the victim’s voices. We know that the role of gender inequality contributes to the prevalence of domestic violence,” they said.

“Together we can tackle family violence and make our homes and communities safer places.”

Cr Speedie said stopping family violence was everyone’s responsibility.

“It was a discussion Jenny O’Connor and I had some months ago … As female leaders we see so many women suffering, often it’s a silent suffering, we need to say ‘no way’ and we need to take a strong stance,” she said.

“It doesn’t discriminate against economic status or even age, I think everyone should be standing up.”

The mayors have backed an increase in education for children around the issues of domestic violence and gender equity, saying the Victorian government’s “respectful relationships” program should be implemented in all primary and secondary schools.

“It’s about young girls hearing that they have every right to stand up and say no to this,” Cr Speedie said.

Cr O’Connor said the unprecedented number of female mayors wanted to stand up and say something significant.

“Family violence is the thing that is sadly in all communities and we have to take a united approach,” she said.

She said it was unclear how many more women were living in fear and just surviving, so all community leaders – male and female – needed to call for change as one powerful voice.

The mayors’ statement called on other female leaders to take a pledge promising to take a stand against violence affecting women and children.

“We need to change the culture that allows violence by sending the right messages to our children,” they said.

“We ask all levels of government to unite to work together on prevention of violence, as well as providing service to those needing immediate and ongoing support.”