"We must stand together as a community and say we will not tolerate violence against women in any form," he said. "These women are our mothers, sisters, partners, colleagues and friends and we can no longer afford to be silent about violence."

The council's Maribyrnong Respect and Equity: Preventing Violence Against Women Project addresses the issue within its operations and its new policy promotes a workplace of gender equity and respect.

The council is also showing its commitment to the cause through a range of initiatives.

It will sell T-shirts, give away bookmarks and cover council property with stickers, magnets, stencils and banners carrying anti-violence slogans.

A FReeZa festival will get the message out to young people through bands, hip-hop acts and dance crews from 2-8pm this Saturday at the Phoenix Youth Centre, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray. Cost is $10.