Pledge to act this Human Rights Day, and we can all help to end issues like family violence
This Friday 10 December is Human Rights Day, the anniversary of when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The UDHR outlines a set of rights that are the basic and minimum for all people. No matter where you come from, everyone should enjoy the same freedoms, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
In Australia, many of us take these fundamental rights for granted, but not all of them are available on an equal basis to all Australians – or to all people across the world.
Human Rights Day is also the final day of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This connection highlights that gender-based and family violence is a fundamental violation of women’s human rights.
Small actions we can all take
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is asking all Victorians to engage in activities, and to start and continue conversations about human rights.
As part of their week of action to make rights real, you’re invited to sign up to a week of small daily tasks. Each day from Friday 3 to Friday 10 December, you’ll receive a small action you can take to help make human rights real.
Whether you’re well-informed about human rights or would like to learn more, these daily tasks will challenge what you already know about topics from ableism to ageism. Sign up now.
How family violence violates human rights
Family violence is violence perpetrated by one family member against another member of their family – for example, their intimate partner, child, sibling or parent. It includes behaviours such as:
- physical (hitting or chocking) and sexual violence
- emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse (intimidating, humiliating)
- coercive control (controlling access to finances, monitoring movements, isolating from friends and family).
On average, the effects of this violence are more severe for women and more frequent for gender-diverse people.
Family violence in Australia is a real issue. Police deal with a domestic violence incident every two minutes, even though eight in 10 women experiencing violence from a current partner have never contacted the police.
Facts taken from the Champions of Change Coalition.
Are you experiencing family violence?
If you’ve experienced family violence, or would like support or advice, please reach out. To help you or someone you know understand what to do, Victoria Police has produced a video in 26 languages.
In an emergency
- If you’re experiencing violence, or are worried about someone else’s safety, call Victoria Police or go to a police station. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
- If English is not your first language, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them your language. They will connect you to an interpreter.
- If you have a hearing impairment or have difficulty being understood verbally, the National Relay Service can help with an emergency call.
- If you need to leave a violent situation, you should – regardless of current or future restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
Support at Deakin and in the community
There’s a range of Deakin and community-based support services available, some of which are available 24 hours a day.
If you’re on a permanent or temporary visa and are experiencing family violence, you need to know that seeking help will not affect your visa status. Contact the Department of Home Affairs for information and support.
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