Reflecting on Gendered Violence
In Australia, the reality of gendered violence continues to cast a long shadow over our communities.
Each year, we are confronted by the tragic loss of women and children to acts of violence that should never happen. The Australian Femicide Watch's RED HEART Campaign has long worked to ensure these lives are not forgotten, meticulously tracking every known Australian woman and child lost to murder, manslaughter, or neglect from white settlement to the present day. Their memorial, grounded in journalism and storytelling, is a poignant reminder of lives cut short, and the ongoing battle against gendered violence.
This month, the name Isla Bell will be added to this tragic record. Isla was just 19 years old, a young woman with her whole life ahead of her, taken far too soon. She was a local, one of our own, just beginning to explore life’s possibilities and adventures. Her death has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the broader community. Individuals are asked to hold private vigils at home in her memory on December 7th to grieve and honour her life.
The loss of Isla, and others like her, reminds us of the grief that many carry, especially at this time of year. As the holidays approach, a season often associated with joy, connection, and celebration, the absence of a loved one can be felt even more acutely. For those mourning a loss, the festive lights can feel dimmer, the gatherings less comforting, and the weight of sorrow heavier.
A vigil for Isla Bell has been organised by friends and family on December 7th, The Patch Oval.
Grief is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual, yet it is also a shared human experience. It connects us in our understanding of love and loss, of the fragility of life, and of the strength it takes to move forward while carrying the memory of someone dear. A loss as senseless and violent as Isla’s brings not only grief but also a collective sense of anger and determination to confront the conditions that allow such tragedies to occur.
As we mourn Isla, we must also acknowledge our responsibility as a community to do more to prevent gendered violence. The RED HEART Campaign’s ongoing memorial is a stark reminder of how far we have to go. It calls on each of us to reflect on how we can make our communities safer, more supportive, and more compassionate—spaces where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from fear.
To honor those we’ve lost we need to strengthen our resolve to address the societal roots of violence. Support organisations that advocate for change. Stand in solidarity with survivors. Challenge harmful attitudes when you see them. And most importantly, take time to remember the lives taken too soon—lives like Isla Bell’s.
Isla’s name, like so many others, will now be part of the RED HEART memorial, a heartbreaking yet powerful tribute to those lost. As we light our candles at her vigil on December 7th, let us also ignite the flame of commitment to create a world where no more names need to be added to this list.
What Mums of the Hills Inc is doing
At Mums of the Hills (MotHs), we are committed to supporting and advocating for change to address gendered violence in our community. Recently, several of our volunteers completed 3Rs training with FVREE, a three-hour interactive workshop that equips participants to Recognise the signs of family violence, Respond confidently to disclosures, and Refer individuals to appropriate supports. This invaluable training, available online or in person, gave us a deeper understanding of family violence in its many forms and inspired us to think critically about prevention.
Through the training, we explored the drivers of gendered violence, as identified by FVREE, including the condoning of violence against women, men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence, rigid gender roles, and male peer cultures that emphasise aggression and control. Reflecting on these in the context of our own community, it became clear just how much change is needed to create a safer, more equitable environment for everyone.
Living in the Dandenong Ranges, our community faces unique challenges. The correlation between natural disasters and family violence is well-documented, with crises such as bushfires and severe weather events intensifying traditional gender roles and societal norms. While disasters don’t cause family violence, they can create conditions where harmful narratives—such as excusing or justifying violent behavior—become more prevalent. The skills required to live here, such as operating chainsaws or reversing trailers, are often seen as traditionally masculine, and many community organizations like the CFA or local sports clubs have historically been highly gendered. Although progress is being made, as our survey results show, there is still much work to be done, and that work must happen now.
To address these challenges, MotHs has applied for grant funding through the Xero Beautiful Business Fund to develop programs that raise awareness and promote action to stop family violence. While we hope to secure this funding, we are determined to spark conversations and inspire change regardless. We invite our network of friends, researchers, and organisations to join us in this vital work.
Upcoming Initiatives
Several initiatives have been created :
Mums, Breathe Easier - Stress Relief Workshop
Date & Time: December 6th, 2024, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Mums of the Hills Hub
This free, grant-funded workshop led by Kimberley Collins will teach practical techniques for managing stress by understanding your body’s physiology. It’s an opportunity to feel more centered and cared for without adding more to your to-do list.Mind & Body Self-Care Circle
Date & Time: December 14th, 2024, 10am - 12:00 pm
Location: Kallista Hall, Kallista
Join us for a yoga taster followed by tea circle discussion to support the use of mindfulness and yoga practices in our busy lives.
Grant-Funded Self-Defence Classes
We are partnering with Upwey TKD to offer low- to no-cost self-defence classes, empowering women to move confidently and safely in our community while building connections and skills.
Gendered violence is a crisis, but we believe change is possible when we work together. MotHs is committed to building awareness, fostering dialogue, and creating programs that empower and protect our community. We urge everyone to join us in this mission and take action to make our community safer, more inclusive, and free from violence. Let’s work together to ensure a brighter future for all.
Help Is Available
This is undoubtedly a difficult time for many, and it’s important to remember that support is available. If you or someone you know needs a safe space to talk or to process their feelings, please consider reaching out to the following services:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (support for anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing)
GriefLine: 1300 845 745 (dedicated grief and loss counseling services)
The Orange Door: A support service for those affected by family violence and child wellbeing concerns.
1800Respect: 1800 737 732 (national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service)
These services are here to help you, whether you need to talk, seek advice, or simply find someone who will listen without judgment.
During times like these, it’s more important than ever to check in on one another. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to those around you and remind them that they are not alone.