"Not all disrespect towards women results in violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This message has gained momentum as federal and state government organisations listened to the call of family violence practitioners to invest more in prevention.
At a local government level, Indigo Shire's community and economic development director Mark Florence has witnessed the shift.
Mr Florence, whose council has worked with library officers to create displays for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, said inclusion and respect were key to the issue.
"I've been here 13 years and we've consistently had a focus on that 16 Days of Activism, first with White Ribbon and through different ways, such as councillors being out in public," he said.
"This is the growth of it, and we've been really strong with supporting particularly the rainbow ball, IDAHOBIT day and ceremonies.
"There's been a really strong emphasis on not just acceptance, but inclusion.
"It's trying to have inclusion integrated in what we do, rather than just having particular strategies here and there."
One in three LGBTIQA+ people have experienced violence from a partner, ex-partner or family member.
The 16 Days of Activism focuses on vulnerable groups and overarching gender inequality as a primary driver of gender-based violence.
Respect Victoria highlights harmful attitudes, drawing attention to the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women Survey that found that 40 per cent of people believe women exaggerate talking about inequality.
Mr Florence said it was important Indigo Shire play their part with their displays at Beechworth and Rutherglen libraries of books challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
"People like Anne (Shanley, library officer) are really switched on about what to incorporate," he said.
"Ten years ago when I was first here, we would never have had this; that's the evolution.
"Personally, I despair at the lack of national leadership about respect for women, particularly, with national Parliament.
"If this is a way that we can, from a grassroots point of view, with little kids and all the way through, contribute in some way to changing culture and people's perspectives, that's the way to do it.
"It goes back to the education and awareness at the early age."
- Safe Steps is available 24/7 to support people in Victoria who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence or abuse. Phone 1800 015 188
