May is domestic violence awareness month
May 31, 2023
The following information is based on Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Social Services) data and the National plan to end violence against women and children 2022-2032. Please note, some of you might find the following content distressing. Take care, link in your support networks, or refer to one of the organisations below if you need.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is an annual event held each May to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected. The key aims of the month are to:
- raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and its impacts;
- promote a clear message of no tolerance of domestic and family violence in communities;
- ensure those who are experiencing domestic and family violence know how to access help and support;
- encourage people who use abuse and/or violence to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and seek support to change.
Why do we need a domestic violence awareness month?
Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia.
One in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in 5 has experienced sexual violence.(1) On average, a woman is killed by an intimate partner every 10 days. (2) Rates of violence are even higher for certain groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.(3) A woman is also more likely to experience violence at particular life stages, such as while pregnant or while separating from a relationship.(4) In 2021, girls aged 10 to 17 made up 42% of female sexual assault victims.(5) More than 60% of LGBTQ+ people will experience violence or abuse by an intimate partner or family member in their lifetime. (6)
These statistics are terrifying. Have you ever hung out in a group of 3 or more women? Chances are, one of them has experienced violence. At the time of writing, 65-year-old Lynne Wright was just stabbed to death in her home by her husband (7). Although more than half of LGBTQ+ people have experienced violence, only 1 in 4 of those people will report. (6)
The 4 drivers of domestic violence
What causes domestic violence? Why are so many women impacted? Our Watch have outlines 4 gendered drivers of violence toward women (8):
Driver 1: Condoning of violence against women
When societies, institutions or communities support or condone violence against women, levels of such violence are higher. Individual men who hold these beliefs are more likely to perpetrate violence against women. Condoning of violence against women occurs in many ways, through practices that justify, excuse or trivialise this violence or shift blame from the perpetrator to the victim. (8)
Driver 2: Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life
Violence is more common in relationships in which men control decision-making and limit women’s autonomy, have a sense of ownership of or entitlement to women, and hold rigid ideas on acceptable female behaviour. Constraints on women’s independence and access to decision-making are also evident in the public sphere, where men have greater control over power and resources. This sends a message that women have lower social value and are less worthy of respect. (8)
Driver 3: Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity
Promoting and enforcing rigid and hierarchical gender stereotypes reproduces the social conditions of gender inequality that underpin violence against women. In particular, socially dominant stereotypes of masculinity play a direct role in driving men’s violence against women. (8)
Driver 4: Male peer relations and cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control
Male peer relationships (both personal and professional) that are characterised by attitudes, behaviours or norms regarding masculinity that centre on aggression, dominance, control or hypersexuality are associated with violence against women. (8)
What short term support can Australians experiencing domestic violence access?
Domestic Violence Safety Plan
A domestic violence safety plan is a personalized plan that outlines the steps victim survivors can take to stay safe in a violent situation. The plan can include strategies such as identifying safe places, informing friends and family, making an escape plan and packing an emergency bag.
The best way to make a domestic violence safety plan is with the help of a free support service. In Australia, you can contact 1800RESPECT or Berry Street
1800RESPECT also have a safety plan checklist
Domestic Violence Financial Assistance
Domestic violence financial assistance can include emergency accommodation, counselling, legal assistance, and financial support.
In Australia there are a number of providers that offer emergency accommodation including Housing Vic, Emerge Support and Wombat Housing. The simplest way to access these services is to contact 1800RESEPCT who can connect you with the most appropriate option for your situation.
1800RESPECT are also the best option to call for free counselling 24 hours a day. 1800RESPECT can also connect you to free legal support.
Centrelink Crisis Payment for Domestic Violence
The Centrelink Crisis Payment is a one-off payment that can be provided to victim survivors of domestic violence who are in immediate financial need. The payment can be used to cover expenses such as accommodation, food, and clothing. The payment is equal to a week’s pay at a person’s existing income support payment rate. The Crisis Payment does not include extra allowances or supplements.
According to Centrelink, you must meet all of the following to get this payment:
- be contactable by our social workers to assess your situation
- be eligible for, or getting, an income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- be in severe financial hardship
- be in Australia when the incident happened and when you submit your claim.
Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave
As of the 1st of February 2023, employees of non-small businesses can take up to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave. This allows victim survivors to take time off work to attend court hearings, relocate, or seek support services without fear of losing their job or financial security.
Employees of small businesses will be able to access the paid leave from the 1st of August 2023.
What long term support can Australians who have experienced domestic violence access?
VOCAT (Victims of crime assistance tribunal)
VOCAT provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime committed in Victoria. It aims to support victims’ recovery by providing financial assistance for expenses incurred, or reasonably likely to be incurred, as a direct result of the crime. These expenses may include counselling costs, access medical expenses, some safety-related expenses, loss of earnings and some other expenses/special financial award.
At the Conscious Combat Club we have supported a number of clients through VOCAT funding. If you are currently putting together a funding application and would like to ask for trauma informed kickboxing classes, please contact us to request a quote.
NDIS (National disability insurance scheme)
If you have a disability caused by a permanent impairment you may be eligible for NDIS funding. The types of supports that the NDIS may fund for participants include:
- daily personal activities
- transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
- workplace help to allow a participant to successfully get or keep employment in the open or supported labour market
- therapeutic supports including behaviour support
- help with household tasks to allow the participant to maintain their home environment
- help to a participant by skilled personnel in aids or equipment assessment, set up and training
- home modification design and construction
- mobility equipment, and
- vehicle modifications.
At the Conscious Combat Club we have supported a number of clients through the NDIS. If you are self managed or plan managed, please contact us for assistance putting together a service agreement.
Peer Support
Peer support and mutual self-help are key vehicles for establishing safety and hope, building trust, enhancing collaboration, and utilizing survivor stories and lived experience to promote recovery and healing. (9) Depending on where you live, you can join various peer support groups. For instance, this list covers almost all areas in Victoria. One of our favourite parts of our work at the Conscious Combat Club is the group sharing about 'what went well' in order to facilitate peer support.
For information, support and counselling, you can contact:
1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. This service is free and confidential. Available 24/7.
1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au
Full Stop Australia
National trauma counselling and recovery service for people of all ages and genders experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence. This service is free and confidential. Available 24/7.
1800 943 539 | www.fullstop.org.au
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
For anyone from the LGBTIQA+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence. This service is free and confidential. Available 24/7.
1800 497 212
Well Mob
Social, emotional and cultural well-being online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Men’s Referral Service
For anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours. Available 7 days.
1300 766 491 | www.ntv.org.au
My Blue Sky
Provides free legal and migration support to people experiencing forced marriage and other forms of modern slavery in Australia.
02 9514 8115 | www.mybluesky.org.au
Say it out Loud
A national resource for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence.
Lifeline
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Available 24/7.
13 11 14 | www.Lifeline.org.au
References
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