Gender-based violence against women causes very serious and long-term impacts on women and their children. It affects all aspects of physical and mental health and wellbeing. At EDVOS, we know that this violence can be prevented, and we are investing in working towards ending it.
CAUSES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Violence against women is the leading cause of death, disability and injury in women aged between 18-44 years of age, in Australia. One woman is killed every week.
This Framework identifies that gender inequality drives violence against women. The four specific drivers include:
- Condoning of violence against women
- Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence
- Stereotyped constructions of masculinity and femininity
- Disrespect towards women and male peer relations that emphasise aggression
Primary Prevention of violence against women was introduced to EDVOS in 2016. This provides EDVOS with the unique opportunity to work across the continuum of family violence, from primary prevention, to early intervention, and response.
A Primary Prevention strategy is being developed for the organisation, and we are keen to work in partnership with other organisations and stakeholders in the region – please contact us at email@example.com if your organisation is interested in working closely with us.
Thriving in the Valley Project: EDVOS, together with Department of Education and Training, Eastern Health, Inspiro and Yarra Ranges Council are working with the community in Upper Yarra to improve gender equality. This project commences March 2017.
EDVOS and Inspiro have launched a new student voice resource co-designed by young people. It aims to support young people to reflect on what gender equality and respect means to them, engage with their peers on gender issues and take action to create change in their community. Click here to see the resources.
Information, Statistics, Framework Documents:
- Australian’s Attitudes to Violence Against Women: 2013 NCAS
- National Primary Prevention Framework: Change the Story
- Royal Commission Findings: Prevention
- Victorian Gender Equality Strategy: Safe and Strong
Project Planning and Evaluation:
Level Playground is a project for parents, caregivers and early childhood educators that provides helpful information and activities to support them in the day to day work of raising children free from gender stereotypes.
The Level Playground website has a collection of resources that are not limited by gender. Lots of activities and ideas can be found on the following topics of learn, play and read. Some of the things that you will find on the website include; booklists, gender audit tools and a variety of play ideas plus much more.
Level Playground also uses social media platforms to provide messages and resources on play ideas and activities, stories to read and gift giving ideas that help to breakdown some of the limitations that rigid gender stereotypes can place on children’s development.
To date, we have had a positive response to the resource.
Parents say that the social media platforms provide fresh ideas around the areas of playing, reading and learning.
Early childhood educators say that it’s handy for all of the resources being available in the one spot.
We are looking forward to expanding the resource in 2019.
For more information about Level Playground you can email: firstname.lastname@example.org
If you (or someone you know) is experiencing or at risk of family violence:
If you are in immediate danger call 000
Contact EDVOS on 03 9259 4200 between 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday
Tell someone you can trust – family, friends, neighbours or your doctor