Last night (24 February), a packed room of Rotarians from the Rotary Metropolitan Adelaide Clubs Community Group attended a dinner at Rydges Adelaide, South Terrace to hear from noted speakers on domestic violence.
Sally Willoughby
The first guest speaker was Sally Willoughby of the RC of Murray Bridge who detailed her life with her abusive husband. It was a heartfelt plea to understand why women stay in a disrespectful and abusive relationship to protect their children from a family member.
The Panel (L-R Sally Willoughby, Paul Della, Stacey Nelan and Minister Katrine Hildyard)
The Hon Katrine Hildyard, Minister for Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence spoke on initiatives that have been, and will be implemented by the Government to further help those suffering from Domestic Violence. As a survivor of domestic violence in her own home when a child, the Minister knows the importance of providing safe housing, legal and police protection from abusers, and avenues of support for those forced to leave their homes – especially those fleeing with their children for their safety too.
Rotary Club of Glenelg, Paul Della (who is now Chairing the Rotary District 9510 DV Walk Committee), gave many interesting glimpses into how people from all walks of life can get the message against DV into the community. When Paul was attending a Hill Top Hood Concert, the warm-up act was “Trials” who asked the men in the audience to put their hands up if they respected women; he also asked what is the colour of love? – it’s definitely not black and blue (bruises)! Paul advocated for all clubs – not just Rotary – to get together to be a defining force to send out the message to end Domestic Violence. He also said trying to eliminate Domestic Violence isn’t a project – it’s a standard.
Embolden is South Australia’s peak body for specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services. Embolden LEAN’s (State Govt Lived Experience Network and a DFSV consultant), Stacey Nelan, gave an outstanding overview on domestic violence and services to assist others. (I’ve used Embolden’s statement from their website in this newsletter for anyone who reads this and is looking for assistance or guidance for the circumstances.)
From the Embolden website:
Domestic, family and sexual violence is a violation of human rights and is never acceptable.
Domestic, family and sexual violence is an epidemic in Australia. One in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in five has experienced sexual violence. Experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence in childhood are common. Just under 40% of Australians have experienced exposure to domestic violence as a child. Approximately one in three Australians have experienced physical or emotional abuse during childhood and more than a quarter have experienced sexual abuse.
While people of any gender can use and experience violence, domestic, family and sexual violence is disproportionately used by men against women and children. First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, migrants and refugees also disproportionately experience domestic, family and sexual violence.
Domestic, family and sexual violence includes any act of violence or abuse that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering either in public or private. Domestic and family violence is often a pattern of abusive behaviour over time and may or may not involve physical violence.
Domestic, family and sexual violence can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, social, cultural or spiritual abuse, financial abuse, technology-facilitated abuse, or stalking. Domestic, family and sexual violence is preventable and Australian governments, services, businesses and communities are working together through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2023. For more information on domestic and family violence visit 1800 Respect or Break the Cycle. Contact 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) for support, advice or referrals. Or, if you are concerned about someone’s behaviour, contact Don’t Become That Man – (1300 243 413) (Mon-Fri, 2pm -7pm) or the Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 (24/7)
This coming Thursday is dinner at the Kent Town Hotel from 6.00pm.
Best wishes and have a great week. Yvette, President
