How the City of Melbourne is working to reduce domestic violence
Nancy Pierorazio outlines the steps the council has taken to prevent violence against women.
In 2013,
the City of Melbourne developed its first Preventing Violence Against Women
(PVAW) Strategy and action plan, which guided our work in the primary
prevention and early intervention space. Actions included the development of
workplace policies and procedures to promote gender equity, prevent violence
against women, and respond to family violence and sexual harassment. We worked
with partners to develop guidelines for reporting sexist advertising, and
designing women-friendly venues and events.
We’ve also
developed fact sheets on promoting respect and equity among children within
preschools and increased representation of women in public art and street
names. We’ve empowered women to talk about places in our city where they feel
safety could be improved. We’ve also supported and funded a number of
not-for-profit organisations to deliver their own PVAW programs and activities.
In 2018,
Melbourne City Council endorsed a Statement of Commitment to Gender Equality.
What
instigated this work in your council?
In 2012, the City of Melbourne became a White Ribbon City, and our councillors committed to preventing VAW in our municipality. This enabled us to consult widely with the community about the role council should play in this space and to develop a PVAW strategy and four-year action plan. CoM continues to allocate significant funding annually to deliver on this commitment.
In 2015,
our former CEO became a male champion of change and pledged to promote gender
equity within the workplace by creating opportunities for women at the
leadership level, ensuring equity in speakers at conferences, and introducing a
parental leave policy and work flexibility policy to encourage men and women to
share caring duties.
What
challenges has your council faced in undertaking this work?
We’ve had
some resistance and backlash from men’s groups and individuals who contest the
accuracy of data around women’s experience of violence and the need to focus
our efforts on women. This has not hindered us from carrying out this important
work.
Have you
noticed any promising signs of impact of this work?
City of
Melbourne staff and a diverse range of individuals and groups in our community
are more aware of the harmful impacts of family violence. They understand the
links between VAW and gender inequality. Since the introduction of our
workplace policies and procedures, more CoM staff are taking up work
flexibility, family violence leave and parental leave.
What do
you think is the role of local councils in the prevention of violence against
women?
Listen to and understand community needs and issues. Raise awareness of the impacts of VAW and the role we can play individually and collectively. Empower the community to create change within their sphere of influence through seed funding and grants.
What is
your advice to other local councils looking to prevent violence against women
in their community?
Identify and work in partnership with champions in your organisation, women’s health agencies and other interested groups. Focus on upskilling staff within your organisation to recognise, respond and be active bystanders to violence against women.
Nancy Pierorazio is Senior Policy Officer, City Safety, City of Melbourne Council.
ALGA’s Local Roads & Transport Congress will feature a discussion on how councils can change the story of violence against women in local communities using the Prevention toolkit for local government.