General News
9 December, 2024
Art exhibition to get conversations started
Horsham Centre for Participation is hosting a Creative Voices Art Exhibition from now until Friday December 20, highlighting the issue of violence against women.
The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (The SAFV Centre) has launched Creative Voices: Taking Action Art Exhibition in partnership with headspace Horsham, Grampians Community Health and Women’s Health Grampians.
The exhibition draws on local practitioners’ knowledge, experience and practice wisdom to demonstrate the gendered drivers of violence against women, as they present across the continuum – prevention, early intervention, response and recovery.
Violence against women is a serious, prevalent, and preventable violation of human rights. Women in rural, regional, and remote communities often face increased risks of violence and unique challenges in accessing support services.
The United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is an annual campaign, that encourages action to end gender-based violence.
Around the world, communities come together to raise awareness, that men’s violence against women, is a fundamental violation of human rights.
The SAFV Centre's interim CEO Carmel Thomas said violence against women has devastating impacts on our community
"It doesn’t have to be this way. This 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to work towards a future, where everyone lives free from violence," she said.
“Storytelling is a powerful way in which we learn and connect with community. The Creative Voices Art Exhibition provides an opportunity to strengthen community understanding and support to community to address violence against women and to shift the social norms that make it acceptable.
"It is also a reminder to anyone currently experiencing violence, that they are not alone, and support is available."
Everyone is encouraged to visit the exhibition and consider the actions highlighted throughout the exhibition and hold conversations at home, work, school, sporting clubs and social groups.
If you or someone you know needs support for sexual violence, please contact the SAFV Centre, on (03) 5381 1211 or wimmera@safvcentre.org.au.
For family violence support, please contact Grampians Community Health on (03) 5358 7400 or gch@gch.org.au.
For support after hours, weekends and public holidays please contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hours) on 1800 806 292 or safe steps on 1800 015 188.