Respect Ballarat is an initiative with the Ballarat community to prevent gendered violence. It’s about every part of the community coming together to take action for a Ballarat where everyone is respected, safe and free from violence.
The story
In April 2024, people in Ballarat flooded the streets in a powerful protest for change following the devastating deaths of Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire. Their deaths sent shock waves through the whole community and galvanised the city to call for action on gendered violence. People of all ages marched together to express grief, outrage, and disbelief. Many held the grief of other historic tragedies and injustices as they marched, with ribbons tied to the fences of institutions close by.
Not long after the rally, the Victorian Government responded to the call for action with support for a four-year community saturation model to prevent gendered violence. The model aims to disrupt and shift the social dynamics that allow gendered violence to happen in Ballarat, and that impact families and communities across the city.
Gendered violence is happening across every postcode in the country, driven by norms, attitudes and behaviours that support inequality, disrespect and violence. While the drivers of violence are the same across Australia, local context plays a role in how violence presents, how we prevent it, and how communities work together for change.
That’s why Respect Ballarat takes a whole-of-community approach. The model builds on the strengths of existing work, and creates opportunities for tailored, local approaches for and by the people of Ballarat.
While there is significant violence prevention work happening across the country and in Ballarat, this is the first time an approach of this kind has been resourced and supported at this level. The Respect Ballarat model draws on prevention learnings from across the state and country and will build learnings for violence prevention work nationally and internationally.
How can I be involved?
To receive regular updates about model progress, funding and governance opportunities, and other ways to get involved sign up to our mailing list.
Respect Victoria is always interested in speaking to local organisations and advocates in Ballarat. You can get in touch by emailing our team at practice@respectvictoria.vic.gov.au.