We all deserve to be safe, equal and respected. More than 1 in 3 women have experienced violence from men. Safety for women and children is not a given in any community – and neither is respect. It doesn't have to be this way.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
In Victoria, the 16 Days of Activism is a key part of communities' efforts to prevent gendered and family violence. It is embodied by a grassroots spirit and the collaborative approach is rolled out uniquely across the state.
Walk Against Family Violence 2026
On Friday 20 November, join thousands of Victorians for the 18th annual Walk Against Family Violence in the Melbourne CBD.
Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear more updates as they are available.
Bring the 16 Days of Activism to your area
You don't have to be a family violence service to play a role in preventing violence. Every workplace and organisation can be part of upholding women's right to safety.
Where is the 16 Days of Activism Toolkit?
In 2026, we have expanded our 16 Days of Activism toolkit and ‘Respect Is...’ assets into the year-round It Starts with Respect toolkit. You can use and adapt these at any time, including during the 16 Days.
This guide was first developed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in 2019 and since updated in partnership with Safe and Equal and Respect Victoria. We want to thank everyone who has provided feedback, advice and input from previous 16 Days campaigns.
The resource is updated periodically based on your feedback. Please share our thoughts with us by emailing contact@respectvictoria.vic.gov.au.
More 16 Days of Activism-specific assets
As well as the year-round downloadable resources, you can also use:
- Fully editable poster template: use this as a guide to create your own messages, translations or images of your local community.
- “Respect is...” cards
- eSignature
- Video background
- Logos:
- Respect Victoria logos, stacked and mono options (.zip, 66 KB)
- Respect Victoria brand guidelines (PDF, 1.34 MB)
- Safe and Equal logos and brand guidelines (.zip 269.6 KB)
- While not a requirement of using these assets, if you are adding the Respect Victoria logo to a design, please follow these guidelines:
- Use our stacked brand mark in orange where possible.
- In terms of hierarchy, your council/organisation’s logo should come first, then Respect Victoria’s logo, then your partner organisation’s logo.
- Our logo minimum size is 20mm for print and 100px for digital.
- Do not use the Victorian State Government logo on materials you create yourself.
Join 16 Days of Activism events and activities
The Victorian Government, through Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal, supports local councils, statewide and regional women’s health services and their prevention partnerships to run events and activities across the state during the 16 Days of Activism.
This year, Safe and Equal is collaborating with Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to utilise and and build on existing sector engagement and networks. Safe and Equal will continue to support to organisations participating in the 16 Days, including resources, events, and tailored support to help make your campaign as impactful as possible for your community.
Visit Safe and Equal’s 16 Days of Activism page to:
- contact the 16 Days Helpdesk
- add your public event to the community calendar
- register for free online webinars and workshops to support your planning and activities
- see examples of previous innovative and inspired grassroots activities.
You can also sign up to Safe and Equal's 16 Days Bulletin to receive a fortnightly wrap of the latest resources, case studies and events.
Be part of the conversation
Follow Respect Victoria on social media, share posts using #16Days and #16DaysOfActivism and tag us:
- Instagram – @respectvictoria
- LinkedIn – Respect Victoria
- TikTok – @respect_victoria
Get support if you're experiencing violence
If you are experiencing family violence, concerned for your safety, or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance.
If you need support or advice, please reach out to a recommended specialist support service.
