16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025
As the 16 Days of Activism comes to a close, we want reflect on this year’s campaign and continue to highlight the urgent need to end violence against women and girls in our communities. Thank you to NTCOSS for providing valuable content and information for us to share throughout the 16 Days.
To launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, WoSSCA hosted a dinner that brought together various leaders and workers from the domestic, family, and sexual violence sector.
Micaela Cronin, Commissioner for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, and Dr Carmel Hobbs delivered powerful reflections on shaping a meaningful 16 Days of Activism and the significance of this global campaign. Thank you to all who attended, and special mention to Deputy Commissioner Jenna Roberts and Board member Mandy Taylor for their ongoing support. We also appreciate Commissioner Cronin’s support of the NT in our efforts to eliminate DFSV within our community.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) held an open day to kick off the 16 Days of Activism. SARC provide support to individuals who have experienced sexual assault, and are made up of a team of doctors, nurses, counsellors and social workers who provide a range of services including but not limited to support and counselling for victims and families, as well as education for the community and professional groups.
WoSSCA presented an Introduction to Youth Intimate Partner Violence workshop, facilitated by Dr Carmel Hobbs, Director of the Trauma Informed Practice Lab at the University of Tasmania. Drawing on national and international research, this interactive workshop equipped participants with skills to recognise and respond to intimate partner violence among young people.
Our Watch hosted a media training webinar, Media Making Change, targeted at journalists and media professionals in the Northern Territory who are seeking a deeper understanding of their role in preventing violence against women through their reporting. As we know, the media is a powerful driver of social change and can positively influence the culture, behaviours and attitudes that underpin violence against women and their children. The webinar highlighted how accurate, safe, and respectful reporting can challenge the widespread condoning of violence against women. It also explored the specific considerations involved when reporting on violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and how this differs from reporting on violence against non-Indigenous women.
Relationships Australia Northern Territory (through the Family Law Pathways Network) and Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia partnered to provide a workshop on Understanding and Mitigating Vicarious Trauma as an Occupational Hazard with Amy Nicholas. This workshop provided attendees with a deep insight into vicarious trauma and how we can support workers who regularly respond to trauma disclosures, and this also included non-frontline workers who have regular exposure to traumatic material, yet they remain largely out of view when it comes to workplace mental health support.
Although the 16 Days of Activism ends tomorrow, the fight against gender-based violence does not. WoSSCA is committed to driving systemic change through strong advocacy and meaningful partnerships with our community, to ensure that women and children exercise their right to feel safe in their chosen communities.
