Virtually all Dominican towns today bear some commemorative marker, school, or street bearing the names of the Mirabal sisters. Photo: UNESCO webpage.
November 25 is International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the commencement of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gendered Violence. What do you know about what’s happening in the ACT to help address violence against women?
It was on 17 December 1999 that 25 November received its official resolution from the United Nations as the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Why 25 November? That date was chosen to raise awareness of the prevalence of violence against women due to the assassination of the three Mirabel sisters in the Dominican Republic occurring on that day in 1960. The Mirabel sisters were killed on the orders of the then Dominican leader, Rafael Trujillo. You can read more about the Mirabel sisters, but we do warn you about the graphic content of this website.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) works with women (and men) who are subjected to violence within their relationships. Last financial year, DVCS supported over 4,800 people within the ACT region. They are seeing the physical, sexual and other elements of violence and abuse inflicted upon women in our community on a day-to-day basis, often being called out to police stations, hospitals and into people’s homes.
In 2017 DVCS opened their doors to Room4Change, a program working with men who want to stop their use of violence and controlling behaviour within their relationships. They are one of the first organisations to provide a holistic, wrap-around service for the entire family unit. The men are supported by specialist staff to work towards stopping their use of violence, abuse and controlling behaviours while other specialist staff work with their current and former partners and children to help them stay safe.
DVCS commenced Room4Change to help stop the problem at the start, noting that it is possible for men to change their behaviours.
This year, DVCS invites you to their first International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women Lunch on 25 November.
Mirjana Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of DVCS. Photo: Supplied.
Hosted by Genevieve Jacobs, you’ll hear from DVCS Chief Executive Officer Mirjana Wilson and Team Leader of Room4Change, Nina Birkl about how Room4Change is making a difference. Additionally, Chief Executive Officer of social enterprise, A Man’s Problem, Lula Dembele will speak about the importance of men being part of the conversation to end violence against women.
The details
Date: Monday, 25 November 2019
Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Venue: QT Canberra
Cost: $100 per person (or $990 for a table of 10)
Inclusions: Two-course meal, plus beverages
Bookings: Space is strictly limited, so please book early via www.dvcs.org.au.
Original Article published by Domestic Violence Crisis Service on The RiotACT.
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