Population: 101,686 Speaking the same BALLARAT language of CITY COUNCIL respect Location: 110km west of Melbourne provision of information and gendered drivers of violence against women “The A prevention of violence against women support options also increased the and children. project focused on supporting women confidence levels of participants. a result of this, many of the “As and men from Culturally and were several unintended “There Linguistically Diverse (CALD) positive consequences including communities helped Ballarat City Council improved literacy skills, reduced social reach some of the municipality’s most marginalised groups. The project, officially titled Strengthening CALD communities by preventing violence against women and children was re-badged Happy healthy homes for people from around the world to be better understood by people from other language backgrounds. The project involved a series of six workshops aimed at skill development and expression, where the women developed DIY skills and artistic expression. Male participants took part in a separate workshop involving artistic expression and explored other topics like masculinity and respectful relationships. Interwoven throughout the workshops were informal discussions about gender stereotypes, violence against women and participants have become empowered respectful relationships. to act in ways that have enhanced their Ballarat City Council Community safety, wellbeing and connectivity with the Projects Officer Paula Roozenburg said anxiety, a said. driver’s license application Ballarat community,” she the project had wide-ranging positive and high levels of friendship and The project was delivered in outcomes for participants. support within the partnership with group.” Women’s Health project increased the “The Ms Roozenburg said the project Grampians, which employed a empowerment, agency and safety of created a welcoming and inclusive project worker, provided support she said. female participants,” environment for women to explore the and guidance for the delivery of the
Speaking the same language of respect Location: 110km west of Melbourne Population: 101,686 BALLARAT CITY COUNCIL A prevention of violence against women project focused on supporting women and men from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities helped Ballarat City Council reach some of the municipality’s most marginalised groups. The project, officially titled Strengthening CALD communities by preventing violence against women and children was re-badged Happy healthy homes for people from around the world to be better understood by people from other language backgrounds. The project involved a series of six workshops aimed at skill development and expression, where the women developed DIY skills and artistic expression. Male participants took part in a separate workshop involving artistic expression and explored other topics like masculinity and respectful relationships. Interwoven throughout the workshops were informal discussions about gender stereotypes, violence against women and respectful relationships. Ballarat City Council Community Projects Officer Paula Roozenburg said the project had wide-ranging positive outcomes for participants. “The project increased the empowerment, agency and safety of female participants,” she said. “The provision of information and support options also increased the confidence levels of participants. “There were several unintended positive consequences including improved literacy skills, reduced social anxiety, a driver’s license application and high levels of friendship and support within the group.” Ms Roozenburg said the project created a welcoming and inclusive environment for women to explore the gendered drivers of violence against women and children. “As a result of this, many of the participants have become empowered to act in ways that have enhanced their safety, wellbeing and connectivity with the Ballarat community,” she said. The project was delivered in partnership with Women’s Health Grampians, which employed a project worker, provided support and guidance for the delivery of the