Women affected by family violence have lent their voices and their personal experiences to the worldwide 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence.
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The women, all participants in the Centre for Non-Violence’s FUTURE group, have shared their thoughts on and experience of family violence, which have been made into a banner and posters.
These contain words of encouragement, as well as messages aimed at informing others of what it is like to experience such abuse, and the forms the violence can take.
Robyn Trainer, general manager prevention and development at the Centre for Non-Violence, said it was important women’s voices and experiences were included in the 16-day campaign.
The United Nations-led campaign began on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Saturday, November 25, and ends on International Human Rights Day, December 10.
“To hear women’s direct voices is extremely powerful… That’s the truth of their experience,” FUTURE group facilitator Voula said.
One message written by a group member reads: “Abusers are able to fool those outside the home because they usually only abuse those inside the home”.
Another woman wrote about the profound effect the abuse had on her confidence.
“I got to the stage where I didn’t trust my own decisions anymore because my partner made me feel unstable,” she said.
Messages from other members of the community have also been added to the words of the women.
“You have an amazing inner strength,” one such message said.
“I admire this in you. Love to you.”
Read more: ‘I am no longer a victim of family violence’
The FUTURE group is an eight-week therapeutic support program that provides a safe space in which women can share their knowledge with one another.
Voula said the group took a narrative counselling approach.
“It’s a very empowering approach that looks to women as the experts in their own experiences and lives,” she said.
The goal was not to impart information on the women, Voula said, but draw out their own.
The group gives women the chance to share stories with others who have experienced similar situations.
“When you’re telling stories about yourself and have them reflected back through other people, it can be really healing,” Voula said.
Ms Trainor said the dominant narrative around family violence in society saw women victimised and carrying the blame for the abuse.
Voula added the group’s approach was to ensure women were not just victims, and those who inflicted violence were not simply perpetrators, but people who chose to use abuse.
Men who used violence were often active in their communities, Ms Trainor said, but chose to use violence in the family context.
Where to seek help
If you or someone you know is affected by family violence or sexual assault, call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
In Bendigo and central Victoria, support is available from the Centre for Non-Violence, which can be reached on 5430 3000 or free call within the Bendigo area on 1800 884 292.
Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative provides support to Aboriginal women experiencing family violence; the organisation’s phone number is 5442 4947.
Culturally sensitive and generalist counselling, with interpreters as needed, is available from Bendigo Community Health Services on 5430 0500.
Men looking to end their violent or abusive behaviour can call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
In an emergency, call triple zero.