Hopes DV event will spark charge
Organisers of the first conference on domestic violence (DV) on the Beaches are hoping it will kickstart a movement to stop one in four women being killed every four days in Australia by an intimate partner.
Narelle Hand, chair of the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network, said DV was preventable. “We are really trying to do whatever we can to reduce all forms of violence in our community. And that means we have to have multiple ways of providing information to people and we thought a conference would be a really good start.”
The network, which is a small but active organisation linking 32 DV services on the Beaches, has organised the conference following the introduction of the new criminal offence of coercive control on 1 July. Dozens of ‘great’ support services will speak on the day, including the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, of which Ms Hand is chief executive officer. Around 40 per cent of the shelter’s clients, who need crisis housing, have experienced DV. The shelter will present its ‘empowerment circle’ program, which takes women on a healing journey, Ms Hand said. There will be legal experts and a discussion about financial and elder abuse. On the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in health and wellbeing sessions at the highly-subsidised event.
Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, who will participate in a forum with other local politicians moderated by journalist Mike Munro, said the conference was ‘a crucial step in bringing together experts, survivors and advocates to develop stronger prevention and support strategies’. “We must stand united against domestic and family violence,” Mr Regan told PL. “This is very much a men’s problem, and we must make sure men are present and active in discussions around prevention.”
Mr Regan, who has been a strong advocate for the sector, said he had ‘so much admiration for the NBDV Network for not only putting on this important conference, but for the lifesaving work they do every single day.’
“It’s essential that we all play our role in creating a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by DV. I want to see this scourge eliminated for good!”
Ms Hand, who has worked in the sector over 25 years, said she would like the conference to run yearly to continue to provide information – especially for those who were too fearful to seek help – and show the ‘special skills and expertise’ available on the Beaches.
The conference will be held on 21 August at St Matthews Manly.
For tickets and more information, see the NBDVN website or humanitix.