Respect 2040 is a regional partnership committed to the elimination of violence against women. Respect 2040 partners are united by the vision of a thriving Barwon South West community in which every person is respected, safe, and equal – able to be reach their full potential. It is both a strategy and a movement. The strategy outlines our shared commitment to ending violence against women in the Barwon South West region. It was designed in partnership with key organisations, local governments, business, institutions, and community members across the region who are determined to see this goal realised.

Respect 2040 builds on work undertaken over the last decade, in both the Great South Coast and the Barwon regions. Starting when 100 people from 52 organisations in the Great South Coast came together in 2012 to address the gendered problem of family violence; and the G21 Geelong Region Alliance’s commitment to the prevention of violence against women as a shared partnership.

In August 2023, Respect 2040 partners in the Great South Coast region and Barwon (G21) region decided to merge and create Respect 2040 Barwon South West. In 2024, a new partnership structure was agreed as part of this transition, inaugurating a new phase for the partnership.

Respect 2040 brings together leadership and dedication from across the Barwon South West to build a thriving cross-sector partnership which is 100% committed to short and long-term strategic actions to end violence against women, girls, and gender diverse people.

Violence against women is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, including in the Barwon South West region of Victoria. Rates of family violence in regional, rural and remote locations are higher than in urban areas. Geographical factors, social norms and attitudes specific to life in these communities influence the experience of violence.

In the Barwon South West region, from 2021 – 2023 there was:

• A 5.3% increase in police recorded family violence incidents compared with .04% decrease in inner city Melbourne.
• 3 times the number of police recorded family violence incidences compared to inner city Melbourne.

Violence against women in Australia

Violence against women is rooted in the context of gender inequality. The causes of violence against women are both maintained by and made possible by gender inequality.

A sizable part of Barwon South west is regional. Regional residents typically face distinct difficulties to their metropolitan counterparts. Such as restricted access to healthcare, education, and transportation, which contribute to inequalities in economic development, health, and educational possibilities.

Women face more obstacles than males in regional areas due to more commonly held traditional gender stereotypes and the resulting gender disparity. These include worse outcomes in climate emergencies, enhanced obstacles to economic engagement, and increased difficulties in obtaining family violence support services and sexual and reproductive health services.

In the Barwon South West:

• 33.7% of the Chief Executives, General Managers and Legislators are female, in comparison to 66.3% male
• 39.7% of Local Councillors are female, in comparison to 60.3% male
• 14.2% of females provide unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition or of older age, in comparison to 9.5% of males
• 29.3% of females perform 15+ hours of unpaid domestic work each week in comparison to 12% of males
• 50.1% of females are employed part time, in comparison to 22.8% of males. Leading to reduced incomes, insecure employment and limited career advancement

Visit the Women’s Health Atlas for more data.

Mission

Respect 2040 will bring community members, businesses, groups and organisations together to create systems and structures that embed equality and respect where we live, work, learn, love and play.

Vision

A thriving community in which every person is safe, valued and can reach their full potential.

• The Barwon South West community (individuals, groups and organisations) will hold attitudes, behaviours and practices that reject violence against women.

• There is equal access to power and resources within workplaces, public life and personal relationships.

• Everyone within the Barwon South West, is encouraged and has the freedom to explore positive personal identities, sexualities and roles in our society.

• The Barwon South West community promote and experience positive, equal and respectful relationships.

Roles and Responsibilities.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West

R2040 lead agency, WHWBSW coordinate the partnership, provide specialist support to partners, and fosters cross-sector collaboration.

Executive Governance Group

R2040 strategic arm, made up of senior management from R2040 partners. Responsible for leadership, advocacy and governance of the partnership and its regional strategy.

Respect 2040 Partners

R2040 operational arm, made up of staff from R2040 partners. Responsible for planning and implementing initiatives in their organisation and collaboratively across the Barwon South West, that align with the R2040 strategy.

Respect 2040 Supporters

Organisations and community members committed to the R2040 strategy, who engage in the partnership where possible and needed.