Communities across the state have united during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence to take a stand against violence towards women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign led by the United Nations to raise awareness of violence against women and girls as a violation of basic human rights.

Candlelit vigils and events are planned in locations including the Adelaide Hills, Gawler, Port Noarlunga, Mount Gambier, Berri and Goolwa.

Running annually from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day, the 16 Days campaign calls for collective action to prevent and address all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and psychological harm.

Events on the Fleurieu include a walk against gender-based violence, with a candlelight vigil, in Goolwa on Friday 29 November from 4.30pm. It will start at Junction Australia in Cadell Street and proceed to Jaralde Park in Goolwa, featuring special guest speaker Di Newton and a free sausage sizzle.

A Celebration of Women will be held at Port Noarlunga Arts Centre on Friday 6 December from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. It will celebrate amazing women in the community who have survived family/domestic abuse by seeing some of the ways they have used various artistic media to nurture their souls and care for their well-being. Book to attend via Trybooking.

On Sunday 8 December the Men Leading Change – community march and family event will be held in Christies Beach from 11am to 1pm. The march will start at Rotary Park and finish at the Open Market grounds with a family friendly event with car displays, stalls, free barber haircuts and a sausage sizzle. Book to attend via Trybooking.

Later that day Onkaparinga Council will host a Candlelit Vigil at Port Noarlunga Jetty from 8pm. Go along to pay your respects, remember and reflect on those no longer with us. Free pancakes will be available.

Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard says domestic, family and sexual violence is pervasive, gendered and has horrific consequences for women and children. “It is not acceptable and it is preventable. 

“The 16 Days of Activism provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, governments and organisations to collectively raise awareness, stand together, support each other and call out the gender inequality and harmful attitudes toward women that drive this scourge.

“This year’s theme is ‘#NoExcuse. Unite to End Violence Against Women’."

She says the fact that one woman is killed every four days in this country is devastating and demands that we unite and use our power to drive change and send a very clear message to those who perpetrate violence that it has no place in our community. 

“The candlelight vigils are a poignant reminder of those we have lost, the terrible impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence and the importance of working together to prevent and end violence against women and girls in all its forms.”

A Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence is also underway, with public hearings starting last week. 

Led by Commissioner Natasha Stott-Despoja AO, the Commission is hearing from survivors and those working in the sector. Its online ‘Share with Us’ survey is open until 10 December. 

More information on the 16 Days of Activism in South Australia and events on the Fleurieu can be found online.