Standing together against gender-based violence (25 Nov 2025)

Dear colleagues

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This is an important reminder of our shared responsibility to stand together against violence and support those affected in our community.

As Tasmanian State Service employees you play a meaningful role in promoting safety, respect and equality. There are many ways to get involved over the coming fortnight, including:

• Signing up to the free Safe Everywhere Always Challenge. This free challenge is to complete 30, 60 or 100 kms any way you want from 25 November to 10 December. You can walk, run, swim or roll your way through the 16 days! I have signed up to the 60 kms challenge and will report back on my progress, noting that we should all feel safe walking anywhere at any time.
• Joining the 16 Days of Activism walk in Launceston on 26 November, coordinated by the Northern Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee. The walk begins at 12.30 pm on the steps of Launceston Town Hall.
• Participating in the Our Watch Webinar on 10 December by registering online here to learn and to share in your workplace.

Across government, a range of initiatives are underway to strengthen our work to prevent family and sexual violence. This includes the Department of Health’s new online family violence training, which will be available to all TSS employees in coming weeks, and the Department of Justice’s discussion paper on strengthening Tasmania’s family violence laws. I encourage anyone with an interest to review this important work and make a submission.

Today I will also be attending the official launch of the Tasmanian Family and Sexual Violence Alliance, funded by the Tasmanian Government as the peak body advocating for family and sexual violence prevention and response in Tasmania. The establishment of the Alliance is an action in Survivors at the Centre: Tasmania’s Third Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan 2022-2027.

Every State Servant is encouraged to take part in this year’s 16 Days of Activism, whether by joining one of the activities above or by:

• Wearing orange to show support for a future free from violence
• Hosting a morning tea in your workplace to raise awareness or support local services
• Taking part in conversations in your workplace or on social media using #16Days and #16DaysofActivism

I encourage you to use these 16 days to learn more about gender based violence in Australia, talk to colleagues, friends and family, and show your support in whatever way feels right for you.

We look forward to sharing more of the government’s work in this important area during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May 2026.

Below is a short video that may be helpful in starting conversations about how we can all play a part in ending gender-based violence. Ending violence against women begins with awareness and action.

Kind regards,

Kath

Where to find support and help should you need it.

Employee Assistance program
If you find this subject distressing or are impacted personally, your agency provides support through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Assistance and emergency helplines

• If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937.
• Or if you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 697 877.
• In an emergency, always call 000.

Kathrine Morgan-Wicks
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
25 Nov 2025