16 Days of Activism | What You Need to Know

What is the 16 Days of Activism?

Sometimes called 16 Days of Activism, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and 16 Days of Gender Activism, this is one of the world’s biggest campaigns against family and domestic violence. In a campaign lasting just over two weeks, organisations, survivors, and the public are called together to take a stand against all kinds of relationship violence. With rates of violence continuing to rise in Australia, the campaign has never been more important.

Started by UN Women, the campaign is fundamentally about preventing violence against women and girls. That’s why you’ll often see it referred to as Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign has a long history in Australia, with Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal leading the 16 days in Victoria.

When is the 16 Days of Activism?

The campaign runs every year from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, through to Human Rights Day on December 10.

In Victoria, the activism begins the week before November 25th, with Thorne Harbour Health’s panel discussion and the annual Walk Against Family Violence in Melbourne CBD. Thorne Harbour Health will be present at the walk, along with many other LGBTIQ+ organisations who all work to reduce rates of violence in our communities.

What is the 16 Days of Activism Theme?

This year’s theme is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” This message calls on everyone to take action against violence, regardless of their gender, sexuality, or position in society. It’s also a targeted call for governments worldwide to show how they’re investing in family violence prevention.

How is the Campaign Different for LGBTIQ+ People?

When most people talk about family violence they are often talking about men’s violence against women and children. This can make it difficult for LGBTIQ+ people to see their own experience as family violence, especially because some forms of violence are unique to LGBTIQ+ relationships, like pressuring someone to conform to particular norms of sexuality or gender.

That’s why we mark the campaign under the name 16 Days of Activism Against Family Violence, acknowledging that in our communities, violence isn’t always gender based. You’ll see on our social media and campaign materials that we have slightly different messages of advocacy and support. This isn’t because we think the main campaign is wrong or bad, but because we’re adding our communities’ unique perspective to the mix.

How Can I Get Involved?

There are several ways you can show your support for the 16 Days of Activism.

• Thorne Harbour is hosting a panel discussion at the Victorian Pride Centre on Thursday 21st November. Service providers and counsellors will be speaking alongside victim-survivors. Everyone is invited to hear more about our work in this area. Registration details are coming – for now, save the date.
• You could also attend another event, like the annual Walk Against Family Violence. You could march under the LGBTIQ+ contingent banner, or with any other organisation you felt aligned with your values.
• You could also organise your own event, talk, or workshop at your workplace or in your community. Safe and Equal has put together an event planning guide with information about making the event safe and appropriate.
• Each year, the campaign also features a range of social media content, including tiles, videos, and influencer messages. Jump on social media to share and amplify the message.

Looking Forward

The 16 Days of Activism is the biggest opportunity of the year to galvanise support for the prevention of family violence, and to advocate for increased investment in family violence services. Together, we can ensure that all kinds of relationship and family violence are addressed, because everyone deserves to be safe, always.

Throughout the year, Thorne Harbour Health offers counselling and support for survivors of family violence, as well as a behaviour change program for LGBTIQ+ people who use violence. Find out more about our family violence services.