Community News

VILLAWOOD has rearranged its corten steel letters to a simple but powerful message in recognition of anti-violence campaigns in April and May.

The RESPECT letters in the Armstrong Mount Duneed estate near the Surf Coast Highway in Mount Duneed follow the developer’s CONSENT letters above the Geelong Ring Road in April and the earlier CALL IT OUT message as part of the state government’s Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence Campaign.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said the words and messages formed by the three-metrehigh letters continued to raise awareness of issues important to the community.

“RESPECT is a very basic call but it’s very important and underscores many areas where our society needs to progress,” Mr Costelloe said.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault are serious problems in the community that don’t receive the attention they need. But RESPECT also talks to issues such as workplace behaviour, marriage equality, gender, people with disabilities, refugees, the elderly, children … the list goes on.

“These letters are aimed at helping both Domestic Violence Awareness Month in May and April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, campaigns that are focussed attention in two areas where ongoing work needs to be done.”

Local advocates supporting efforts to stop violence against women have applauded Villawood’s efforts. “People who have a disability are more likely to receive less respect than others and more likely to experience domestic violence and sexual assault,” genU residential and individual supports executive general manager Natasha Williams said.

“As leaders, we model and advocate for all people to be treated with respect and with kindness. “We use this opportunity this month to ask you to highlight RESPECT.”

Deakin University’s manager of respectful behaviours, diversity, equity and inclusion Laura Burge said the university was committed to “creating an environment where students and staff feel included and respected for their unique perspectives and talents, feel safe to bring their whole selves to all that they do and empowered to make a positive impact”.

“We’re proud to be part of local initiatives such as this which draw attention to the role we all have to play in contributing to a positive and respectful culture within our communities.”

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre chief executive officer Helen Bolton said everyone deserved to be safe, equal and respected.

“Choosing to lead with respect in our relationships, workplaces, schools, community, and homes can ultimately prevent family violence and violence against women.

“All forms of family violence are preventable. By calling out disrespect, sexism and other forms of discrimination early, we can stop violence before it starts.”

Originally Published in Surf Coast Times 26/05/22