Articles
                                    & news

The Courage of her Convictions
19 September 2011,  Australia Story

When Catherine Smith was found not guilty of attempting to murder her own husband it was a turning point in one of the most extraordinary cases in Australian criminal history.

See the story here.

It’s A Hard Knock Life
16 September 2011,  Lisa Krygger

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by the level of unresolved issues in our society that the mere task of having to address a singular topic can seem pointless, miniature in perspective or simply stricken with a sense of prefigured defeat? Well, believe it or not, but the endless scrolling of heartbreaking facts, inadequate ‘support’ programs, and the increase need in emergency services is something that Impact For Women find unacceptable given the 21st century advanced technologies, growing intelligence and expanding level of attentiveness to our country’s needs.

Having said that, Impact For Women is not the only team throughout Australia that have this passionate desire to get the ball moving at a faster pace and make a real difference for progress and preventative practices. On the 9th and 10th of September 2011, Impact’s Editorial Director attended a conference in Melbourne conducted by Hard Knock Life in order to give voice as a young Australian to tackle the diverse range of injustices.

With the support of Dialogue Consulting, Lantern (shining light on mental health), and Youth Participation Practice Network (YPPN), advocates from a wide range of organisations gathered to speak on behalf of those who are underrepresented in our communities.

With discussions extending from suicide prevention to global cooperation with the UN Youth Australia, improvement strategies and submissions were critically examined and proposals for effective schemes were reviewed.

It soon became apparent to the audience who attended the Hard Knock Life conference, how censored the most influential of matters have been hushed by the Government and overlooked at such alarming levels. For instance, Chris (a mental health advocate of 5 years) highlighted the significant statistic that while 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness some time throughout their life, 1 in 4 young people (aged between 15-24 years) are currently experiencing symptoms; causing 1 in 6 people to indirectly be affected by this. The implication of this awakening means that as a solo reader of this article, even if you are not personally suffering, you will know someone who is.

Given this grotesque exposure to psychological depiction, on an annual basis the Government are consuming around $48.6 billion towards mental illness. Although complete prevention is an unrealistic goal in the mental health field, a reduction in life-threatening consequences such as suicide is very much a credible focus. Data shows that in the year 2009, around 2,130 people committed suicide in Australia; this is 3 times more than the road toll from that year!

But HOW can we help to change this? And more importantly, WHOS responsibility is it to raise more awareness? Well, it all begins in schools. However, regrettably at this moment in time, the education system has chosen to limit the amount of information that can be provided to students. The broken-record excuse of “it is inappropriate and triggering” seems to be a frequent barrier when it comes to teaching youth about suicide prevention. Ironically though, schools seem to be quite satisfied about educating children as young as 9-10 years old on sexual health and pregnancy (information considered quite provocative given their age). The theory behind early sex-ED rests with the idea of “breaking down stigma and embarrassment.”

With that, the mere fact that addressing the subject of mental illness and suicide prevention in school curriculum appears to remain a restriction (by reasons of these contradictory systems), only emphasises the judgemental attitude our society has on this universal matter. The more we inhibit how much we can share with the youth, the more we are proving that it is something to hide. Is this really what we want our future leaders to experience?

We need to voice up, make it mandatory to include professional psychologists in our schools, discuss more openly the need for acceptance (this can include debating through social networking), have staff, supervisors and workforce employees obtain mental health first aid training, and more specifically, YOU can make a difference by allowing time to simply listen.

Facebook and Twitter is a great place to kick off if you don’t know how to break this ineffective cycle of shameful silence. The internet is way more than just a tool for procrastination or “just another place for young people to talk about cats and bully people” (Hugh, campaigner with Hard Knock Life), it is where YOU as a reader can begin in a self-empowering journey towards understanding, appreciation and noticeable difference in our mental health system. We are stuck with a Government that are reactive, not responsive; meaning, until we thrust this issue and stress the need for more attention, then Climate Change and Carbon Tax will renew their agenda; once again discounting those who need to be heard. 

It all starts with you. It all starts today. It all starts with a voice.

Making a real difference to one little boy
15 September 2011,  Kathy Kaplan OAM

Bob (name changed) is a year 5 boy currently living with his mother and baby brother in crisis accommodation (Brenda House) to escape family violence at home.

Bob has a very pronounced astigmatism in one of his eyes which has caused profound learning difficulties and debilitating self-esteem issues. He has been struggling with his schoolwork for many years because he cannot visually focus on his work effectively.

Bob has been kept down a grade at school but still only reads at a very junior level. He says that he is always teased about his eye problem and was has been targeted in bullying incidents because of this difference.

Bob's mum has taken him to have paediatric/ophthalmological assessments and they have recommended interventions such as covering his ‘good’ eye to strengthen his bad eye. Bob's mother says these interventions did not correct the issue and just made his head ache from the stress on his ‘bad’ eye.

Upon coming into Brenda House, the family was introduced to an ophthalmologist who recommended immediate corrective eye surgery as the best outcome for Bob.

The operation, however, is deemed as ‘elective’ by the public health system since it is not a life threatening problem.

The waiting time at the Eye and Ear Hospital is over 18 months. Sadly, this classification does not take into account the learning, psychological and social impacts of Bob’s medical issue.

'Dr Joanne', the treating ophthalmologist, recommended scheduling Bob for IMMEDIATE surgery through the private system. The total out-of-pocket costs of the operation is $2,500 but could be more due to additional contingency costs.

Brenda House was advised, yesterday, that Bob has been fast-tracked for surgery TODAY at 12:45pm. 'Dr Joanne' will perform an “LE Squint operation (Code 42836) at the Victoria Parade Surgery Centre.

Brenda House began to urgently seek donations/medical brokerage to support this beautiful boy. Bob's family had secured $1500 but the costs have to be paid upfront.

Brenda House contacted impact to ask if we could help and we were very proud to be able to provide the remaining $1000 - thanks to donors and supporters who have given even as little as $25 - to enable Bob to have this operation and have the opportunity to achieving his full potential in life.

If YOU want to make a difference to a Victorian woman or child living in crisis accommodation due to domestic violence, please consider making a tax deductible donation.

Award-winning anti-DV scheme faces funds cut

18 April 2011, ABC Goulburn Murray

Funding for a program that has saved the lives of domestic violence victims will end in December, despite it receiving a national award.

The Bsafe program provides personal alarms to women and children escaping family violence.

The program was presented with the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award last week.

The chief executive of Women's Health Goulburn North-East, Susie Reid, says the award is great recognition of a program that works.

She hopes a meeting with the Victorian Minister for Crime Prevention, Andrew McIntosh, later this week, will secure some funding.

"Everybody nods and smiles and says it's fantastic, we have done cost benefits analysis to say that it costs a third to use a Bsafe kit than to move women through different housing options and we still get nods and smiles but no funding," she said.

The Line

2 April 2011, Lisa Krygger

Over the years, well-defined boundaries of what classifies as Domestic Violence have not been clearly delineated; therefore a large portion of the population still believes they can manipulate the law to dismiss some behaviours as 'minor' or 'insignificant'.

However, in 2010, the Australian Government took a new approach for distinguishing limitations and guidelines for what classes as crossing The Line.

Due to growing cultures, progressing technology and various expanding opportunities for education and understandings, The Line aims to update society to work towards eliminating the ill-informed discriminations between right and wrong.

Speaking to the youth, parents, teachers and relatives, The Line provides an interactive break with an easy-to-read website that prepares both the victims and perpetrators to develop skills that prevent future incidents; lowering the prevalence rate and making Australia a safer place to live. 

What’s more, is that sometimes victims from abuse can self-blame or feel that they did something to deserve it. It is also common for impersonal criminal behaviour (such as passive-aggressive verbal abuse, exploitation or deceitful acts) to be expressed as 'not that big of a deal'; causing a major invalidation to what really occurred.

As a result it can be seen that potential consequences of negative behaviour can be a 'grey area' in regards to Domestic Violence due to the additional vulnerabilities and complications of relationships, housemates, and other partners; hence The Line addresses insecurities of all levels to unmistakably identify when revenge, assertiveness, trickery or other daily activities are off target and strictly prohibited.

IMPACT For Women encourages people of all backgrounds to take a moment from the day and investigate parts of life that can be delicately unclear, and spread the word on how ambiguities are now certainties.

Working together to end gender-based violence

11 March 2011, Women's Views on News

Sheree Sartain, WVoN co-editor

Violence against women (VAW) is one of the root causes of inequality and discrimination against women throughout the world.

For women aged 15-44 years, violence is still the major cause of death according to the United Nations (UN).

It is at the forefront of women’s rights campaigns and is recognised across the globe by governments and the UN as a barrier to ending gender discrimination.

But as we mark the centenary of International Women’s Day, one group remain invisible within the violence against women debate – transsexual women.

According to ‘Transrespect Versus Transphobia Worldwide’ (TVT) a research project investigating trans murder, nearly 500 transsexuals worldwide have been murdered since January 2008.

Domestic violence costs $13bn a year

7 March 2011, The World Today

A new national report has put a figure on the economic cost of domestic violence and has found abusive relationships have a significant impact on a woman's financial security.

New national register for domestic & family violence orders

4 March 2011, The Hon Kate Ellis MP media release

Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis today welcomed the agreement of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General to implement a national scheme for domestic and family violence orders that will improve protection for victims of domestic violence.

How does family violence impact the workplace?

22 February 2011, DVRCV blog

Two-thirds of Australian women who report violence by a current partner are in paid employment. For these women, there’s many stresses and responsibilities that come from experiencing violence or abuse.  And they don’t take place outside of work hours.

With the wattle goes equality, respect

1 February 2011, Moonee Valley Weekly

WILLS MP Kelvin Thomson has reminded people that a core part of Australian citizenship is respect for law, adding that violence against women is never acceptable.

Shock as battered wife’s compensation cut

27 January 2011, Courier-Mail

DOMESTIC violence experts fear a court ruling that slashed a battered woman’s compensation payment because she was “conditioned” to domestic violence by her husband will deter other victims from taking legal action.

Cyber-stalking on the rise

24 January 2011, Public News Service

January is National Stalking Awareness Month and, according to the National Center to End Violent Crime, more than three million people over age 18 are stalked each year in the United States. One in four victims reports being cyber-stalked.

Keneally stalls on leave for victims

21 January 2011, Sydney Morning Herald

THE Keneally government is sitting on a landmark clause in a workplace agreement that would see public servants who are victims of domestic violence given an extra 20 days paid leave.

Parental alienation and domestic violence

20 January 2011, The Huffington Post

This case clearly demonstrates another issue women have in courts: credibility. It’s easier to believe a woman is lying than to believe a man can abuse or kill a woman or child. In reality, in family court, denying abuse is more common than fabricating tales of abuse. Most allegations are made in good faith (see the American Bar Association’s 10 Custody Myths and How to Counter Them). And most denials are made by perpetrators, perpetrators skillful at manipulation – even of professionals.

Teenage girl takes intervention order against father

4 January 2011, The Daily Telegraph

A Muslim girl caught between her religion, her parents and wanting to be a typical Aussie teenager is at the centre of an apprehended violence order against her father after he found she had a boyfriend.

Health training for hairdressers

3 January, 2011, The Age

Cardinia community health training for hairdressers acknowledges the role they play and helps hairdressers to deal with clients’ problems, including disclosures of family violence. Whether clients are recently bereaved, have money problems or are suffering family violence, Ms Power is regularly the first to hear when things are overwhelming.

Her role has now been officially recognised in a program run by health services in the Shire of Cardinia, south-east of Melbourne.

The quality of a society depends on the quality of sex you have.

31 January 2010, The Age

Kerry Arabena doesn’t mind making an audience feel uncomfortable. A few years back, she opened a community workshop on domestic violence in a remote indigenous community by declaring: ”The quality of a society depends on the quality of sex you have.”

When the laughter subsided, she explained that children conceived in stable, loving relationships were more likely to be happy, secure and confident about the future than the products of systemic rape in societies where sex was a weapon of war.

Alcohol misuse ‘a factor’ in many domestic violence cases

26 December, 2010 The Age

Among the most vulnerable groups in society, alcohol misuse has been found to be a factor in almost 20,000 substantiated cases of child abuse and in more than 24,000 cases of domestic violence every year.

‘Season of fear for abused women’

10 December 2010, The Age

Jane Ashton from the Womens Domestic Violence Crisis Service said there were trigger points that heightened violence at Christmas. Tensions were high as household budgets were stretched, separated families came together and women became easy targets for abusive partners.

Abusive men also spent more time at home in the holidays. ”A lot of it happens behind closed doors and people do not know about it.”

Studies indicate a dramatic increase of DV over hotter months

21 December 2010, The Age

Longitudinal crime trends also indicate that domestic violence cases increase dramatically during the hotter months — peaking over the Christmas period.

Family violence 30% of all assaults in Ballarat

8 December 2010, ABC Ballarat

“Whilst the headline grabbers are assaults around nightclubs or in the Ballarat CBD, family violence makes up 30 per cent of all reported assaults in my division and that’s above the state average,” he [Superintendent Andrew Allen] said.

Police code tackles family violence

10 December 2010, The Age

Victoria Police has launched a revised code of practice to tackle family violence as it prepares for a spike in domestic violence cases over the Christmas period.

The Family Violence Code of Practice was introduced in 2004 and Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said the revised code incorporated lessons police had learnt in the past seven years.

The Men Next Door

Opinion piece by Farid Farid, 10 December, The New Matilda

Losing a job, losing your cool and hitting your partner, losing a friend or unfortunately losing your life are all disastrous in the sense of diminishing the social resources of hope and perseverance for men.

They are hard to talk or write about unless you undergo them and it is supremely burdensome to see men as anaesthetised figures who are expected to just get on with it.

This is especially true of social burdens placed on men who seek asylum and who are supposed to cope with psychological and physical conditions that have been deemed by the UN in their human rights reports to be less than inhospitable.

Who says female corpses aren’t sexy?

Opinion piece by Melinda Tankard Reist, 10 December, ABC Drum

I was watching rapper Kanye West’s new video teaser for the single Monster, from his new chart-topping album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

… This is gendered violence. It’s not depicting just any old corpse but a clearly female one and then, clearly eroticised.

Australia and NZ target alcohol-related violence

14 December 2010, The Age

“It’s well established that there’s a major link between alcohol, drugs and street violence, domestic violence and motor vehicle accidents,” he [De Villiers Smit, the director of The Alfred Hospital's Emergency and Trauma Centre in Melbourne] told reporters.

Most rapists know victims and ‘act nice’ after sexual assault, study says

16 December 2010, The Courier Mail

Alcohol-fueled Christmas parties are hotbeds for sexual assault, with new figures showing women are more likely to be raped by friends and colleagues than strangers.

Three councils join together to prevent violence against women

17 December 2010, ABC Ballarat

The Golden Plains Shire wants to join forces with neighbouring municipalities to develop a program to prevent violence against women. It is applying for $120,000 of annual funding for four years to develop a pilot program with the City of Ballarat and the Hepburn Shire

Alcohol outlets and domestic violence linked in Australian study

17 December 2010, MSNBC.com

Opening more neighbourhood pubs and liquor stores could lead to more violence in local residents’ homes, hints a new Australian study.

Evidence is building that increased availability of alcohol can result in greater public violence, lead researcher Michael Livingston of the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, in Fitzroy, Victoria, told Reuters Health in an e-mail.

To see if access to wine, beer and liquor may influence such rates of violence in the home, Livingston identified 186 neighbourhoods of 10,000 people or more around Melbourne, Australia. Then he monitored changes in the numbers of alcohol purveyors and police-recorded cases of domestic violence between 1996 and 2005, a period in which a great number of new liquor licenses were doled out.

Author Ruth Park dies – a writer who didn’t gloss over domestic violence

18 December 2010, The Australian

The New Zealand-born writer’s first two novels – The Harp in the South and its sequel, Poor Man’s Orange — followed the hardscrabble lives of an Irish migrant family in Surry Hills, the inner Sydney suburb where Park and her writer husband D’Arcy Niland lived.

The book was also contentious for its frank descriptions of crime, domestic violence, prostitution and backyard abortions.

Family Violence workshops for immigrant women

27 October 2010

The Immigrant Women's Domestic Violence Service (IWDVS), in partnership with the ENOUGH campaign, are delivering 10 family violence information sessions to a range of multicultural communities across Melbourne. The sessions, delivered in community languages, will provide information about Victoria's family violence laws, the different forms of family violence, and the range of support services available. The sessions aim to provide information on women's right to live safely and free from violence.  Read more…

Police Safety Notices protect family violence victims

11 October 2010

An evaluation of Family Violence Safety Notices shows they have led to an improved after hours response to family violence incidents by police and increased the safety of victims.  Read more…

Helping the AFL promote respect for women

16 September 2010

Young footballers are being targeted as part of the ENOUGH campaign’s partnership with the AFL to stop violence against women. The AFL will produce a DVD to inform young and aspiring footballers about the important issues of family violence and violence against women. The DVD will be distributed to regional and metropolitan football clubs next year. Narrated by former Demons player Russell Robertson, it features Collingwood’s Harry O’Brien and Hawk Sam Mitchell. An instruction manual will accompany the DVD to help educate players on this issue.  Read more…

Measuring Family Violence in Victoria

4 February 2010

The recently released Victorian Family Violence Database: Nine Year Report is a milestone report that outlines the findings from the analysis of family violence incidents reported in Victoria between 1999 and 2008.  Read more…

Breaches of Intervention Orders

29 June 2009

Family violence victims will be better protected following the adoption of guiding principles to assist Magistrates when sentencing breaches of intervention orders.  Read more…

Measuring Family Violence in Victoria

29 January 2009

The recently released Victorian Family Violence Database: Seven Year Report outlines the findings from the analysis of family violence incidents reported in Victoria between 1999 and 2006.  Read more…

Family violence powers crack down on perpetrators

14 January 2009

Victoria Police have issued almost 130 Safety Notices to family violence perpetrators since new powers to protect victims were introduced one month ago.  Read more…