FRIDAY morning, the Portland community was invited to walk against gender-based violence to kick of the 16 Days of Activism.

Despite the wet weather conditions around 50 locals took off from the ploughed field across from Portland District Health and made their way on foot towards the Glenelg Library, where breakfast and coffee were waiting.

Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence spokesperson, Lauren Newman, was there to discuss more on the subject of gender-based violence.

“In November, we lost five women in nine days,” Ms Newman said.

“Let's just think about Alice McShera, a 33-year-old lawyer from Perth, Analyn Osias a 46-year-old mother from Bendigo, Lilie James the 21-year-old water polo coach from Sydney, Thi Thuy Huong Nguyen age 65 from the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), and Krystal Marshall aged 38 in South Australia.

“I think that really brings us to a cold pause when we stop and think about the prevalence of family violence.”

The 16 Days of Activism starts from November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to December 10 Human Rights Day.

People will wear the colour orange over the sixteen days and towns will get their community involved in an activity to spread awareness.

Orange represents a brighter future that is free of violence.

Local businesses down Bentinck Street have decorated their storefronts orange for the occasion, and posters depicting family violence have been placed on the back of public toilet doors across the Glenelg Shire.

The international campaign has been running annually since 2008, and it was since 2017 Portland has been involved.

Portland Rotary chair of SayNO2familyviolence committee Carolyn Millard said as Rotarians they all have hats in different businesses making the spread of Rotary quite wide.

“We're really pleased to have advocates across Glenelg Shire coming together to stand up against family violence today, and to support people wanting a better life in our advocacy and awareness war,” she said.

“When we use our voices and share our stories with passion and purpose, we create a ripple effect of positive change. Sharing our stories is not only healing for the storyteller, but for everybody involved today.

“Today we've come together to act in solidarity and with the united goal of creating a future where everyone is safe, equal and respected.”

• If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance.