A large fibreglass installation called The Elephant in the Room is now on display at the Galkangu Gov Hub, Lyttleton Terrace to create an awareness of, and to inspire productive conversations about family violence.
The travelling installation, which was brought to Bendigo by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, was created by women, victim/survivors of family violence. One side shows words and drawings highlighting the damage caused by family violence, and the other side shows the hope, strength and resilience of women recovering from abuse.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said family violence has traditionally been considered a private issue and an off-limits conversation.
“In Greater Bendigo, between April 2022 and March 2023, the rate of family violence was higher than the State average, ranking 18 out of 79 Victorian Local Government Areas with 78 per cent of reported victim-survivors female,” Cr Metcalf said.
“The statistics are alarming as no form of violence is acceptable. By encouraging conversations and raising awareness, we can all better understand what family violence is, its impacts, where to find support, and how we can work together as a community to stop violence before it starts.
“Family violence is not limited to physical or sexual violence but includes different types of harmful and controlling behaviours such as financial and emotional abuse. It’s a serious and widespread issue, but it is preventable.
“When people of different genders are valued and viewed differently, and don’t have the same access to power, resources, and opportunities - also known as gender inequality - disrespect, discrimination and violence are more likely to occur.
“Working towards gender equality will mean we create a community which is safer and free from family violence, violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence.
“The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to promoting gender equality and preventing family violence, violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence.
“We aim to do this by creating safe and respectful workplace, through our service delivery, and through our connections with local businesses, community groups and organisations.
“The City is also a proud member of the Collective Action for Respect and Equality (CARE) Partnership led by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence, and Greater Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity.”
If you or someone you know is being impacted by family violence, support is available. You can contact Orange Door in Loddon on 1800 512 359, 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 (24 hrs) or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hrs). If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Police on 000.