16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence

What is 16 Days of Action?

The 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence is a global movement, running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). 

In Penrith, we’re standing together to say: violence has no place in our homes, schools, teams, or community. 

Find out more about the United Nations 16 Days of Activism

Our campaign : We Can All Be Heroes

This year, we’re highlighting the everyday choices that can make someone a hero. Small acts of respect, care, and courage that together create safer communities. 

Through our community poem, survivors and community members have shared their voices anonymously, reminding us that we can all play a part in ending violence. 

A hero isn’t about fear, silence or intimidation. It’s showing courage, respect, and care.

Here’s how you can get involved

Walk with us

Join Us in the annual Walk Against Violence along the Nepean River.  

The Walk Against Violence is a chance to come together with friends, family, schools, workplaces, and community groups to show support for a safer future. It’s not just a walk - it’s a visible, united stand against gender-based violence. 

Date: Sunday 7 December 2025
Time: 9am to 11:30am 
Location: Meet at the blue tree Nepean Avenue, Penrith
Route: 1.3km commencing at the Blue Tree and finishing at Tench Reserve.

At the end of the Walk, you’ll find the Hero Tree. This symbolic tree is where participants can write their pledge on a leaf-shaped message tag and add it to the branches. Each pledge is a personal commitment. Whether it’s to listen with care, speak up with respect, or stand beside someone in need. Together, these pledges grow into a powerful display of courage, respect, and community solidarity..

Follow us on social media

Stay connected and share in the movement throughout the 16 Days.
Follow along on Instagram

Share our community poem and content 

Spread the voices of our community. Anonymous words of courage that remind us we can all play a part in ending violence.
Download and share ‘We Can All Be Heroes’ campaign content above.

See Penrith lit up in orange 

Across the 16 Days, Council buildings will glow orange — a global colour of hope and solidarity against gender-based violence. 

Partner with Penrith 

We invite our local organisations, schools, community groups and businesses to partner with us in We Can All Be Heroes. 

Download our Partner Kit to access

• Ready-to-use social media posts and creative assets 
• 16 Ways to Be a Hero guide 
• Posters you can print and display 
• A video of our community poem to share

Get support 

Where to get help and learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, there are people who will listen, support and guide you. 

Access resources

Know the hotlines, in an emergency call Triple Zero (000)

National hotlines provide support and referrals to anyone affected by domestic and family violence. Keep them handy, you never know when someone you know might need them.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732

A confidential information and counselling and support service.

NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463

Provides counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence

Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491

Provides assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence or are worried about their own behaviour. 

Together, we can all be heroes 
Join us. Share the message. Speak up. Take action.