Statistics show that the rates of family and domestic violence in the Ballarat community are 12% higher than the rest of the state. In 2021, the rate of family violence common assault in Ballarat was 24.2 per 10,000 persons – but that’s just what gets reported. The actual rate is estimated to be much higher with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men, experiencing physical violence and 1 in 5 women experiencing sexual violence.

Safety4U looks beyond the statistics on the rates of family and domestic violence in Australia.

Data doesn’t tell the whole story and behind every number is a person with their story,

A story of safety.

Safety4U provides an opportunity for people to feel empowered, have a voice, and participate (anonymously if they wish) in exhibitions, online, and in a movement, that visually shows what safety means for them.

This project invites members of our community to respond to the question “What does safety mean to you?” via a simple photo and short narrative. 

This would provide an opportunity for contributors to be empowered, have a voice, and participate (anonymously if they wish) in a project that creates something tangible and visible. Each photo would also be accompanied by a few sentences from the contributor about the image, to explain its meaning.

In promoting the stories in an exhibition, we aim to engage with some of our big businesses and employers in the region. Family violence is not just an issue that women need to respond to – it’s about all of us. Everyone in our community has a strong role to play. Find out how you can be involved.