The message behind the orange today...
Today our community mourns Michelle Darragh, a local mum who needlessly lost her life at the hand of a former partner. In the streets of The Basin and right around the hills, you will see items of orange attached to the fronts of homes and mailboxes in recognition of this loss, a silent cry from our community that violence against women is not tolerated. Orange is the colour designated by the UN Secretary-General’s campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women by 2030. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign’s goal seems further away than ever.
Lockdown measures have been used around the world to help curb the spread of the virus. During these lockdowns however, most domestic violence services have experienced an increase in both clients and severity of incidences. In some countries, calls to helplines have increased five-fold1. Sadly, I am aware that some of our members are experiencing or have experienced verbal, emotional, financial and physical violence at the hands of a partner or someone they know. The following statistics are sobering:
On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.2
1 in 3 Australian women (30.5%) has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.3
1 in 5 Australian women (18.4%) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.4
Earlier this week I was contacted by a member who has left a non physical yet still violent relationship. They were keen to share information that they had found invaluable. With lockdown ending at 11:59pm tonight, many mums will be preparing to leave relationships that they’ve felt trapped in. Some of these my have been violent. If this is you, please reach out to those you know for support and please make arrangements to prioritise your safety should you need to return to collect belongings.
Hopefully the information below will help those embarking on this journey feel supported during this time.
“I had no idea about any of this stuff because that was for other people……..until it wasn't”. (Anon)
Financial Support
The $5000 Escaping Violence Payment
Money worries might stop you leaving a violent partner. The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) Program is available for people 18+ who have recently experienced family violence, have a changed living situation and are experiencing financial stress.
That violence can be:
Physically, verbally or sexually abusive
Emotionally, spiritually or psychologically abusive
Economically abusive
Threatening, coercive, or seeks to control or dominate the other person.
The payment provides a one off $1500 payment and direct payments for bond and other essentials for women and children escaping domestic violence. If you have recently left and you are struggling with the finances to live your life in safety, you could be eligible for:
Goods and services such as removalists, bonds or basics for a new home
Wrap-around support including casework from the EVP provider.
You do not need to be connected to Uniting to access the program. If you are already working with a family violence support service, talk to them about what to do next.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence please contact:
Call 1800RESPECT
Other Financial Options
Good Shepherd provide No Interest Loans (NILs) for individuals and families on low incomes with access to safe, fair and affordable credit. Loans are available for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1,500. Repayments are set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months. Good Shepherd also offer Domestic Violence No Interest Loans for women affected by family and domestic violence.
Remaining Safe
If you are in a situation of danger now, please call 000
Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIO)
This is a court order to protect a person, their children and their property from a family member, partner or ex-partner. Here is a link for further information.
Safe Steps
Safe Steps is invaluable for helping people understand what to do and how to do it. They can help you explore safety options, create a safety plan, and put in place safety measures to help reduce risk including access to aids, support or equipment. If you are worried someone you know or care about is experiencing family violence, there are some simple things you can do to help and support them. Lastly, Safe Steps has a list of early warning signs or ‘red flags’ that a relationship my have become unhealthy and could escalate. There is also additional information about seeking safety during COVID-19.
Vic Safe Steps crisis response line:
1800 015 188
EDVOS
EDVOS is the specialist family violence service in the eastern metropolitan region of Melbourne. EDVOS support women to make informed choices through programs and services that are individual, sensitive and evidence-based.
Orange Door
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. The Orange Door welcomes everyone, regardless of migration status. You can seek help or support if you are a migrant or a refugee or do not have permanent residency.
Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS)
BWAHS is the lead specialist Aboriginal Specific family violence service that provides a service in the Eastern Metropolitan Region that is inclusive of Inner and Outer East. BWAHS provides a range of services and programs to Aboriginal individuals and families who are experiencing, at risk of experiencing family violence or use violence.
Further useful contacts:
1800 Respect national helpline:
1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line:
1800 811 811Men's Referral Service:
1300 766 491Lifeline (24 hour crisis line):
131 114
“I found confronting having no money and finding a good lawyer as terrifying as the fear of repercussions for leaving”.
Legal Aid
Depending on your circumstances, legal aid may be able to:
· give you free legal advice – in person, by video conference or over the phone
· help you if you are at court without a lawyer.
To get a lawyer to run your case you must be eligible for a grant of legal assistance. To decide whether you are eligible we look at:
· what your case is about
· the likely benefit to you
· if helping you can benefit the public
· your financial situation.
Other Legal Services
There are many other services available. Here are just a sample:
Women’s Legal Service Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing free legal services to women since 1982. We work with women experiencing disadvantage to address legal issues arising from relationship breakdown or violence.
Domestic Violence Resource Centre
DVRC are a statewide resource centre supporting workers and families to help stop family violence
Eastern Legal Community Centre
ECLC is a multidisciplinary legal service that works to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities and community members in Melbourne’s East.
Change this Story
Finally, we must not let Michelle’s death be in vain. We need to change this story and prevent violence against women before it starts. The responsibility of changing this story shouldn’t rest on the shoulders women alone. It is a responsibility we all share. Please head over to White Ribbon Australia to learn about making personal and community change to prevent violence against women and children.
To Michelle’s family, our hearts go out to you. Please know that the community of mums in and around the hills mourn with you. She will not be forgotten.
References
General Assembly. 2020. Intensification of efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women: Report of the Secretary-General.
Bryant, W. and Bricknell, S. Homicide in Australia 2012-13 to 2013-14: National Homicide Monitoring Program report, Statistical Reports no. 2, Canberra: AIC. The 2017 National Homicide Monitoring Program report by the AIC showed that over a 2-year period from 2012/13 to 2013/14, there were 99 female victims of intimate partner homicide. Women continue to be over-represented as victims of intimate partner homicide, accounting for 79% of all intimate partner homicides. A recent review found that between 2010 and 2014, 80% of intimate partner homicides that followed an identifiable history of partner violence involved a man killing his female partner. Source: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Review Network (2018), Data report 2018, Domestic Violence Death Review Team, Sydney.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2017. Personal Safety Survey, Australia, 2016, ABS cat. no. 4906.0. Canberra: ABS.
Ibid.