Violence Against Women Bulletin - Spring 2005
Spring 2005, Volume 9, Issue 2
Click here to download the PDF version of the Spring 2005 Bulletin>>
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16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women
25 November – 10 December
16 Days officially begins on 25 November, which was declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by the United Nations in 1999. It recognises the extent and graveness of violence against women and invites organisations and governments to organise activities to raise awareness of this worldwide problem.
The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit has been coordinating a range of 16 Days activities for the last two years, including the NSW Violence Against Women Prevention Awards and NSW Stop Domestic Violence Day (2 December 2005). This year there are even more people joining the campaign, under the theme ‘Together we can stop violence
against women’.
DoCS, police and court staff across NSW will be wearing white ribbons. There will be seminars, stalls, breakfasts, and cultural events during this period.
Individuals, organisations, workplaces and businesses can help make the lives of women safer. Organising for your
staff or club to wear a white ribbon for the 16 Days, attending or holding your own event are ways you can draw attention to this serious issue.
Established in 1991, ‘16 Days of Activism’ is an internationally recognised period which highlights
the connection between women, violence and human rights. It includes:
25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
1 December – World AIDS Day
3 December – International Day for People with a Disability
6 December – Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre
10 December – World Human Rights Day
Wear a white ribbon
White Ribbon Day (25 November) is the largest effort by men, working in partnership with women to end violence against women across the world.
The White Ribbon campaign was initiated in 1991 by Canadian men on the second anniversary of the massacre of 14 female engineering students by a gunman in Montreal. It urges men to speak out against violence towards women.
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to not commit, condone, nor remain silent about violence
against women and children. Visit www.whiteribbonday.org.au to order a box of white ribbons.
Manager’s News
Violence against women remains a big and sometimes daunting problem, however there are things that each and every individual can do to stop it.
The ’16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women’ is a global campaign (from 25 November – 10 December) that raises awareness about preventing all forms of violence against women.
This year the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit is organising a range of activities for NSW under the theme ‘Together we can stop violence against women’.
We have chosen this theme to highlight the importance of working together to address this international and national public health issue. We are encouraging individuals, families, friends and organisations to take action to stop violence against women.
The ‘16 Days’ events calendar provides an overview of the range of innovative and diverse activities that groups across New South Wales are engaged in to tackle this issue.
The ‘16 Ways’ are actions that the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit and its partners have developed for ‘16 Days’ to remind us that each one of us can make a difference to help end violence against women.
It is useful to remember that we are not alone with this challenge. We are part of an international movement to stop violence against women.
Gaby Marcus
Manager
Hastings men break the silence
A new campaign has been launched in Hastings which draws on well known local men to promote a message of non-violence.
‘Hastings Men Break the Silence on Domestic Violence’ features high profile personalities Phil Anderson, Damian King and Rob Oakshott on a range of posters, coasters, TV ads and community initiatives, which encourage men to speak out against all forms of violence against women.
Kirsten Busby, Regional Violence Prevention Specialist said that the campaign arose from a ‘Safer Spaces’ working committee, which is a local interagency that addresses violence against women in the North Coast.
“The project has been a true team effort, bringing together diverse community partners and services to promote the anti-violence message,” said Ms Busby. Phil Anderson, owner of Port’s Five Star Fitness Centre and former Mr Australia, is proud to be involved in the campaign.
“Being strong means standing up for what you believe in. I believe it’s everyone’s right to live safely” said Mr Anderson.
Rob and Damian are equally committed to the campaign. “Violence against women is a serious crime. As men, we have a role in speaking out against violence,” said Mr Oakshott.
Your rights when going to court
In NSW, sexual assault complainants going to court have the right:
- to have one or more support people close to them when giving their evidence
- to give evidence with arrangements that restrict contact between them and the accused (eg. via use of a
- screen or use of closed circuit television)
- to be protected by the judge from improper questions in crossexamination (i.e. questions that are belittling, insulting or otherwise inappropriate or that have no basis other than a sexist, racist, cultural or ethnic stereotype)
- to have their identity kept from the public through non-publication orders.
For information about your rights contact:
Women’s Legal Services NSW www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au
Phone 02 9749 7700
Outside Sydney 1800 801 501
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service www.dvas.org.au
Phone 02 9637 3741
NSW Rape Crisis Centre www.nswrapecrisis.com.au
Phone 02 9819 6565
Outside Sydney 1800 424 017
TTY 02 9181 4349
For information about victims compensation contact:
Victims Services www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vs
Phone 02 9374 3111
TTY 02 9374 3175
16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women Calendar
KEY DATES
November 25 -10 December
16 Days of Action to Stop Violence Against Women
November 25
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) and White Ribbon Day
www.whiteribbonday.org.au
December 1
World AIDS Day
www.worldaidsday.org.au
December 2
NSW Stop Domestic Violence Day
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vaw
December 3
International Day of People with a Disability
www.nican.com.au
December 6
Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre
December 10
World Human Rights Day
www.un.org/rights |
NSW EVENTS
Thursday, November 24
Domestic Violence Breakfast
Speakers on 'Empowerment'
7-9am, cost $15, Deniliquin RSL
Carolina Williams, Family Support 02 5881 5287
White Ribbon Morning Tea
10am, 87 Lower Fort St, Millers Point, Sydney
Louise Anike, Older Women's Network
02 9247 7046
Friday November 25
Violence Against Women Prevention Awards
NSW Parliament House
Violence Against Women Specialist Unit
email vaw-unit@community.nsw.gov.au
02 9716 2061
White Ribbon Day BBQ - Dubbo
Rebecca Camilleri 02 6841 5584
Stop Beating Round the Bush Anti-DV Quilt Display
Orange
Liz McRaild 02 6361 6925
Art of Harmony Art Display
10am-9pm
Wellington Civic Centre
Robyn Edwards 02 9382 8145
Men taking responsibility for men's violence against women
Lismore Men's Resource Centre
Mary Willis 02 6620 2132
Narrabri Street March
Trish Kearton 02 6768 2814
November 26 - December 3
16 Days Display Dubbo
Dubbo Regional Library
Rebecca Camilleri 02 6841 5584 | December 1
World AIDS Day
www.worldaidsday.org.au
December 2
Families Against Violence Rally
7-9pm
QEII Square, Albury
Snr Constable Cate Blaine 02 6023 9299
NSW Stop Domestic Violence Day
The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit
vaw-unit@community.nsw.gov.au
02 9716 2061
Information stall & face painting
10am-3pm
Banna Ave, Griffith
Griffith Women's Refuge
Family Harmony Day
Civic Mall, Rines St, Maclean
Tracey 0407 424 956
'Walk the Main'
March and BBQ
Narrabri
Maree Tann 02 6792 4423
December 3
Wheelchair Challenge ¨C Bathurst
Disability Information Advocacy Service Bathurst
Teresa Ashworth 02 6332 2100
December 8
Women's Art & Empowerment Exhibition
6pm, Willandra Art Gallery
770 Victoria Rd, Ryde
Gabby Prowse 02 9888 9099
Multi-cultural gathering
Northern Rivers
Mary Willis 02 6620 2132
Visit www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vaw for a complete list of events. |
Violence against women is never excusable
Violence can take many forms and does not always have obvious injuries such as bruises or broken bones. It includes:
- sexual harassment – unwanted and unwelcome sexual attention
- stalking – following, watching, going to places like home, work, social venues
- domestic violence – includes physical, financial, emotional, sexual abuses
- sexual assault – sexual acts forced or imposed without freely given consent
- social abuse – aims to isolate victim from contact with friends and family
- hate crimes – abuse for belonging to certain groups – can be homophobic, racist, ageist motivated crimes
A victim of violence is never responsible for the violence
16 Ways to Stop Violence Against Women
1. Violence against women affects everyone. Find out how physical, sexual and emotional violence against women affect you and the people around you.
2. Show your commitment to ending violence against women. Wear a white ribbon during ‘16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women’ (25 November – 10 December) Visit www.whiteribbonday.org.au to order ribbons.
3. Stand up against bullying and harassment in your workplace.
4. Violence against women is a crime. Take action if you see or hear violence happening. Call the Police on 000.
5. Talk to someone you trust if you are experiencing violence.
- DoCS’ Domestic Violence Line (24hrs) 1800 65 64 63 / 1800 67 14 42 (TTY) NSW Rape Crisis Centre (24hrs) 1800 424 017 or (02) 9819 6565 / (02) 9181 4349 (TTY)
6. Protect children from violence. Call DoCS’ Helpline 132 111 if you are worried about a child or young person. If you are a child and there is violence in your life, phone the Kids Help Line (24hrs) 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelp.com.au.
7. Expect and give respect in your relationships. If someone is treating you with respect, you feel:
* Safe and never scared of your partner
* Free to say no to things you don’t want to do
* Free to see friends & family when you want
* Free to express your opinions and beliefs
* Free to change your mind
* Good about yourself
* Supported to make your own decisions
* Free to end the relationship if you want to
8. Men, take action to end violence against women.
9. Believe and support people when they tell you they have experienced violence, such as sexual assault, domestic violence or harassment. Let them know that help is available
10. Attend a ’16 Days’ event between 25 November - 10 December.
11. Hold your own information stall or event during ‘16 Days’ to show your support for stopping violence against women. Invite local media to attend.
12. Get your school involved in learning about respectful relationships.
13. Remember domestic violence happens in many relationships, including same sex relationships. Visit www.ssdv.acon.org.au.
14. Find out more about date rape. Visit www.aboutdaterape.nsw.gov.au.
15. There are no excuses for violence against women. Break a sexual violence myth - visit www.nswrapecrisis.com.au to find out how.
16. Invite men and boys in your local clubs and businesses to wear white ribbons during the ‘16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women’ (25 November – 10 December).
Together we can stop violence against women
Sexual assault victims and the criminal justice system
Dr Denise Lievore from the Crime and Justice Research Centre, New Zealand was the guest speaker at the recent sexual assault forum – ‘The Criminal Justice System: Is it a rational Choice?’ She presented her research on victims’ decision making at various stages in the criminal justice system, and answered the following questions for the Bulletin.
What are some of the factors that influence a victim’s decision making in relation to reporting the matter to the police?
Reporting decisions are shaped by a complex interplay of overlapping factors. Victims’ assessments of the likely responses and protections offered by formal and informal support sources are crucial in helping them to determine whether to report to police. Some important factors include the characteristics of the incident, such as the relationship to the offender; the personal consequences of reporting; and beliefs about the legal system.
Some women prefer to use informal strategies to deal with the aftermath of sexual assault.
What are the critical times for women dealing with the criminal justice system?
In crisis situations, where a report has been made to police immediately following the assault, women are likely to be in shock, may be unable to think clearly, or may not fully understand the implications of their choices.
Some women experience revictimisation through attitudes such as disbelief and victim-blaming, which they may encounter from a range of criminal justice personnel at different times in the process.
Critical times include police decisions to charge or not charge a suspect and prosecutors’ decisions to proceed with or discontinue prosecution.
Why do sexual assault matters drop out of the criminal system?
Given the nature of sexual assault and the fact that most cases come down to word against word, lack of evidence is the primary reason cited by police and prosecution agencies for not charging suspects or not proceeding to prosecution.
Victim credibility is an important consideration in assessing the prospects of conviction in any criminal matter.
Some cases drop out of the system when victims are unwilling to proceed. Victim withdrawal from the criminal justice process does not mean that the assault did not occur.
What can friends, family and workers do to help women when negotiating the criminal justice system?
There are a small number of crucial attitudes and behaviours that can support women who are involved in the criminal justice system.
- Belief: Through words and actions, show that you believe their account of what happened.
- Listen and understand: Women’s needs change over time and they are in the best position to determine their needs and the risks they are willing to take.
- Communication and information: Feeling informed and in control is very important to victims. Information about their options and the possible outcomes of various courses of action underpins women’s capacity to make choices.
- Act on women’s needs: Show that you take them seriously by responding quickly and appropriately to their concerns.
What key things can a victim keep in mind that might make a difference to her decision to continue engaging with the criminal justice system?
Going through the justice process is never easy and it is important not to do it alone. Once your case enters the system, it becomes a matter of the public interest: you become a witness to a sexual assault, rather than a victim of sexual assault.
It is crucial to find ways of focusing on and meeting your needs as both victim and witness. Sexual assault counsellors can help whether or not you have access to a supportive personal network The NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women is part of the Criminal Justice Sexual Offences Task Force, which has recently conducted a statewide consultation with survivors of sexual assault and service providers.
Please visit www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vaw for a full transcript of the interview.
Sydney’s Northern Beaches tackle abuse of older people
Recent consultations in Warringah revealed unreported incidents of elder abuse on the Northern Beaches and a lack of knowledge about how to deal with abuse of older people by their carers.
The North Sydney Elder Abuse Seminar held in July brought to attention the often hidden issue of abuse of older people, in particular women. Abuse of older people includes domestic violence, abuse by their carers, (including financial abuse by their children).
Organised by Warringah Council, in partnership with the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit, the seminar attracted paid workers, carers or volunteers who deal with older people and work in community support services, health services or in residential care services.
Participants raised concerns regarding issues of duty of care, for example how a worker could retain the trust of their client, should they disclose a situation of abuse, if the victim had asked them not to tell anyone else.
The Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer reminded seminar participants that such abuse was a crime, and should be reported, regardless of the disclosure circumstances. Participants argued for mandatory reporting of abuse of older people, similar to regulations currently in place for child abuse.
The seminar highlighted that there are few accommodation options available to older women who have to leave their homes for safety reasons; and that the home care worker is in a crucial position to identify abuse.
A new Northern Sydney working group has been formed to start planning an event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 15 June 2006.
For more information, phone Jennifer Huxley on (02) 9976 8020.
Young people look at healthy relationships
A Forum on “Healthy Relationships” was recently held for young people who are not in the school system. The Forum was designed by Rosemount Youth and Family Service, Eastern and Central Sexual Assault Service, Cellblock Youth Health Service and the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit.
Ms Matina Mottee, the Violence Prevention Specialist for Central Sydney said that young people played a key role on the day, including a Hip Hop performance and a play on domestic violence, written and performed by young people.
A panel discussion on “Healthy Relationships” and a performance by Playback Theatre showed options in negotiating relationships.
“It’s important that young people who do not have access to information through schools get a chance to discuss these important issues,” Matina said.
For more information, phone Matina Mottee on (02) 9745 8448.
Refocusing women’s experiences of violence
Over 400 people attended the national ‘Refocusing Women’s Experiences of Violence’ conference held in September at Bankstown. Organised by the Combined Domestic Violence Committee of South West Sydney, the conference provided the opportunity to reinforce the importance of feminist critique and approaches to addressing violence against women.
One of the most powerful sessions at the conference was the Plenary on Pornography, where various speakers spoke about pornography as violence against women, and its impact on sexual relations.
Sheila Jeffreys spoke passionately about how pornography is normalised, seen as entertainment, is now openly available in the mainstream, and is used to minimise violence against women. She spoke of the experiences of and impact on women in the porn industry themselves, and the wider implication to all women, and relationships.
Conference papers will be made available on the Australian DV Clearinghouse website www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
Resources, Conferences and Training
Want to stay at home and have the violence leave?
This brochure offers information for women considering applying for an exclusion order as part of the Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).
Women, Violence and the Law
Useful contact numbers have been updated for different groups of women who have different needs. Regional inserts with local numbers are also available.
Domestic Violence – You can live without it
Wallet size cards and booklets are available which explain what domestic violence is and how you can get help.
Go to www.community.nsw.gov.au to order copies.
24 - 25 November
National Symposium on “Safe Transitions” Managing conflict and responding to violence in post-separation families
Hilton Hotel, Sydney
Aims to identify and develop models of good practice across the new Family Law system.
Phone 1800 677 759 or 02 4784 3100 or email info@safetransitions.com.au
30 November
Australia’s Welfare Conference 2005: Connected Challenges, Connecting Response
Canberra ACT
This one day conference, provides insights into key issues facing Australia’s community services and housing sector.
Phone Anna Stark on 02 6244 1287 or email anna.stark@aihw.gov.au
1 - 2 December
Circles of Compassion: Human-Animal Relationships, Welfare and Wellbeing
Rydges Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, QLD
A conference for academics, service providers and frontline workers to share information on links between human directed abuse (including domestic violence and child abuse) and animal directed abuse.
Phone Dr Nik Taylor 07 4930 9433 or email n.taylor@cqu.edu.au
2 December
Think about the Links – Violence, Abuse and Neglect
Erina Fair, Central Coast
This conference aims to address ways of thinking about the links between domestic violence, child abuse and mental health.
Cost: $130.
Phone Chris Smith on 02 4320 2575 or email chris.smith@community.nsw.gov.au
2 December
Forum on child protection in the context of DV
Art Gallery, Campbelltown, Sydney
Looking at the impact of DV on children, the protection and safety of women and children and an inclusive service provision.
Phone Bernadette Fleeton on 02 9821 8527
HOW TO CONTACT US
Violence Against Women Specialist Unit
Communities Division
NSW Department of Community Services
Locked Bag 28, Ashfield NSW 1800
Ph: (02) 9716 2061
Fax: (02) 9716 0341 | Manager: Gaby Marcus
Principal Policy Officer: Rochelle Braaf
Senior Project Officer: Jacquie Cheetham
Senior Project Officer: April Pham
Policy Officer: Craig McIntosh
Project Officer: Janice Bagot
Officer Manager: Kashmira Shresth |
REGIONAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION SPECIALISTS
| Regional Specialists | Region | Phone | E-mail address |
| Kirsten Busby | Mid North Coast | (02) 6588 2913 | Kirsten.Busby@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Rebecca Camilleri | Macquarie | (02) 6841 5569 | Rebecca.Camilleri@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Libby Carney | Upper Far West | (02) 6872 1795 | Libby.Carney@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Robyn Edwards | South Eastern Sydney | (02) 9382 8145 | Robyn.Edwards@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Bernadette Fleeton | South Western Region | (02) 9821 8527 | Bernadette.Fleeton@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Jenny Huxley | Northern Sydney | (02) 9976 8020 | Jennifer.Huxley@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Anoop Johar | Wentworth | (02) 4729 8236 | Anoop.Johar@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Patricia Kearton | New England | (02) 6768 2814 | Patricia.Kearton@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Bronwyn Lyons | Greater Murray | (02) 6937 9465 | Bronwyn.Lyons@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Liz MacRaild | Mid Western | (02) 6361 6925 | Liz.Macraild@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Jillian Meyers-Brittain | Hunter | (02) 4929 0921 | Jillian.Meyers-Brittain@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Matina Mottee | Central Sydney | (02) 9745 8448 | Matina.Mottee@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Bronwyn Richards | Southern | (02) 6298 9966 | Bronwyn.Richards@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Chris Smith | Central Coast | (02) 4320 2575 | Chris.Smith@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Rugmini Venkatraman | Western Sydney | (02) 9633 0717 | Rugmini.Venkatraman@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Mary Willis | Northern Rivers | (02) 6620 2132 | Mary.Willis@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Vacant | Lower Far West | (02) 9716 2061 | VAW-Unit@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Vacant | Illawarra | (02) 9716 2061 | VAW-Unit@community.nsw.gov.au |
| Christine Foreman | Project Officer (Wellington) | 0427 60 30 45 | Christine.Foreman@community.nsw.gov.au |
The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit, Communities Division, NSW Department of Community Services implements the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, the State Government’s key initiative to address violence against women.
The Strategy is a partnership of seven Government agencies – NSW Attorney General's Department, NSW Department of Community Services, NSW Health, NSW Police, NSW Department of Housing, NSW Department of Education and Training, and the NSW Premier's Department Office for Women.
The VAW Specialist Unit comprises of 18 Regional Violence Prevention Specialists who are based in regions across NSW and a team of central office project and policy officers to support the work of the regional program, conduct state-wide initiatives, and provide policy and strategic advice to government.
Click here to download the PDF version of the Spring 2005 Bulletin>>
 | To view a PDF document, you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat on your computer. If you do not have a copy of Adobe Acrobat, you can download a copy for free from the Adobe site. |
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