16 Days of Activism 2024

One Tree Community Services Inc. (One Tree) is playing its part in the global movement against gender-based violence.

At One Tree, we work with remote and rural communities to provide support to women experiencing family and domestic violence.

We operate a 24-hour safe house in Wadeye, Northern Territory (NT) that offers emergency accommodation and support for up to 90 women and children per month. Our service includes counselling, wellbeing support and a child and youth specialist. We also provide further support to the town of Wadeye and the surrounding areas via our community outreach services.

In Laverton, Western Australia (WA) we provide respite to women and children escaping violence at our safe house. This service is available 24-hours a day. We also provide community engagement and outreach services with a focus on early intervention and prevention, as well as follow-up support to those who have escaped violence.

What is 16 Days of Activism?

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global movement led annually by UN Women.

The campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day) each year.

It is represented by the colour orange to reflect a bright future free from violence against women and girls.

What is happening in my community?

Throughout Australia, each state and territory government has developed its own set of initiatives for raising awareness and driving change.

The WA government launched the 16 Days in WA campaign. It offers support and resources on how everyone can “play their part” to stop family and domestic violence.

Meanwhile, the NT government joined the movement by running a series of free workshops, including child-friendly and themed events.

Both hosted public marches where advocates were encouraged to dress in orange and take a stand against gender-based violence.

How One Tree is playing its part

In Laverton, we supported a pop-up café called The Orange Lounge.

The initiative was a collaboration between Hope Community Services, Waalitj Foundation, Centrecare, Laverton Cross Culture Association, Minara Resources and One Tree.

Collectively, we were able to speak with 38 members of the Laverton community.

Amongst the sharing of food, conversation and laughter, there were also interactive activities. This included a weaving workshop run by a local Elder.

Pictured: One Tree Laverton Crisis Intervention Service Manager Agnes Swan at The Orange Lounge.

 

Pictured: Weaving workshop led by a local Elder at The Orange Lounge.

 

In Wadeye, we held several workshops and activities to educate, empower and celebrate women.

This included an arts and crafts day, featuring tie-dye t-shirt making, beading and painting.

We also delivered a personal protection strategies session in partnership with Victims of Crime and Neighbourhood Watch NT.The session focussed on self-defence techniques, situation awareness and risk mitigation.
The local women called these events Palngun Lurruth Ngala which translates to ‘strong women, strong futures’.

 

Pictured: Personal protection strategies session.

 

Pictured: Strong women, strong futures banner.

 

The impact of family and domestic violence

*In Australia, one in four women have experienced violence from an intimate partner.

All women deserve to be safe and respected. If you or someone you know needs support, there are free, 24/7 hotlines available. This includes the national domestic family and sexual violence counselling service, 1800Respect.

In an emergency, or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call the police on 000.

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Personal Safety Survey (PSS) 2021-22

 

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One Tree Community Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of country where we operate. In the spirit of reconciliation, we recognise their continuing cultural connections to their land, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders both past and present and to all First Australians of today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

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