The Andrews Labor Government is launching a new campaign encouraging Victorians to unpack what respect means to them and to take a stand against family violence.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams officially launched the Respect Women: Call It Out (Respect Is) campaign, which will run across TV, radio, print and digital media from today – also in six translated languages.

The Respect Victoria campaign asked Victorians to define what respect is to them, what it looks like in their lives and why respect means calling bad behavior out – on social media, the tags to use are #RespectIs #16DaysCampaign and #CallItOut.

All 79 Victorian councils have signed up, as well as 18 non-government organisations, to show their support.

The campaign coincides with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from Wednesday, 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – until Thursday, 10 December or Human Rights Day.

In 2020, the impact of family violence remains pervasive – and coronavirus has heightened the risk of violence in the home.

Between April and June, national support service 1800 RESPECT saw a 66 per cent increase in calls compared to the same period last year.

The Labor Government is pushing ahead with its reforms, having invested more than $2.9 billion to implement all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and that work is now two-thirds complete.

If you are experiencing family violence you can contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188, safesteps@safesteps.org.au or by webchat at safesteps.org.au/chat.

The Men’s Referral Service is available on 1300 766 491 to assist those concerned about their own behaviour.