The global event will take place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day and the Griffith Soroptimists believe that while progress is slow, change is happening.

"Ten years ago it was not talked about at all whereas now it is out in the open and I think more and more, people are being given that freedom to say it's okay to talk about it," Will Mead from the Griffith Soroptimists said.

The Griffith Soroptimists will be posting the video series 'Always on Alert' on their Facebook page each day during the two week long campaign, which looks at how women feel about their own perceptions of safety. In addition there will be a stall at Griffith City Council Library and screenings of the movie 'What's love got to do with it?' based on the life of musician Tina Turner, to bring about more awareness of the issue.

The Soroptimists will celebrate 100 years as an organisation in 2021, having spent many of those years fighting for international action to stop violence toward women. Griffith's Soroptimists say the fight is ongoing particularly in regional and rural towns where a culture of not speaking out still persists.

"Griffith has very high rates of domestic violence," Mrs Mead said.

Mrs Mead explained Griffith still has a culture where what goes on in the home is seen as no one else's business.

"A lot of people think it's none of their business, they may feel embarrassed to ask what's going on but it's absolutely the right thing to do," Mrs Mead said.

"People have to be prepared to ask questions, to start the conversation if they think something is going on and support that person to make the first steps for them to get out of that situation.

"Everybody has a role to play in being aware of what is going on in their community."

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