WOMEN’S use of violence is too often misunderstood, according to Centre for Non-Violence chief excecutive officer Margaret Augerinos.
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Following yesterday’s sentencing of Veronica Hudson, who stabbed her partner to death after years of being beaten by him, Ms Augerinos said women’s use of violence needed to be understood in the broader context of what they were experiencing.
“Research has shown that women’s use of violence towards their partners or ex-partners is often used to defend themselves from the repeated violence and abuse they have experienced in that relationship,’’ she said.
Ms Augerinos said it was crucial that crisis services for women and children were appropriately funded so that no woman who requested support was turned away.
“Currently one in two women are not able to be assisted appropriately when in crisis,’’ she said. “We must invest more resources into prevention of violence against women, including promoting gender equality.’’
Ms Augerinos said there were many complex reasons why women appeared to publically support their partner.
“It is very dangerous for a woman to name the violence and abuse that is happening to her,’’ she said.
“As we know, danger is escalated for women who try to seek support or disclose what is happening.
“The most dangerous time for a woman and her children is up to 18 months post separation.
“This is why it is important that the woman and her violent partner do not engage in counselling or joint therapeutic work.
“How could a woman safely disclose to a counsellor what is happening in her life when there are high levels of physical and emotional violence and control?’’
Ms Augerinos said there were many improvements to the way police, courts, child protection, mental health and specialist family violence services worked together, and that needed to continue.
“The system must continue to work together and to be aware of the significant risk and lethality factors present in family violence situations,’’ she said.
“In this way, the system learns to prioritise the safety of women and children and ensure that they all respond in the safest possible way.’’
At the same time, Ms Augerinos said it was important to continue working with the community to ensure “they don’t stand by and watch acts of violence and not respond”.
“Our response could mean saving someone’s life,’’ she said.
“As a community we must challenge the harmful views and attitudes that continue to promote gender inequality and tolerance of violence against women and children.
“We must continue to strengthen our criminal justice responses to ensure that men who use violence towards their family members are held to account for their behaviour and its consequences.’’
