By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THEY say it’s all about transforming moments into a movement.
There were many such moments – emotive, enlightening, inspiring and concerning – during Cardinia Shire’s ground-breaking two-day Together We Can assault on family violence at the Cardinia Cultural Centre last week.
None were more powerful than Cardinia Mayor Jodie Owen’s opening day speech.
She laid her family’s tragic story of violence out on the table, detailing the years of horror she and her family endured at the hands of a man.
She recalled seeing her grandmother sprawled across the floor after being beaten by her grandfather and her grandmother’s disturbing plea for Jodie, then a young teen, to leave or else “be next”.
Those exposed to violence in their early years are statistically more likely to progress into violent adult relationships.
Jodie was almost victim of the disturbing trend of perceived normality among victims and perpetrators.
In her speech, she revealed she was once engaged to a man exhibiting signs of similar violent, male-supremacist behaviour.
But she broke free, thanks to words of warning from her grandmother.
“Nan said to me, ‘Don’t stay … don’t be like me’. So I didn’t.”
A major family violence overhaul is now in place to break the vicious cycle of abuse endangering homes across Cardinia Shire.
The ‘Year of Action’ aims to harness victims with the information, support and strength needed to leave a violent relationship as well as bolster prevention, early intervention and reformation services for perpetrators.
It includes a 100-day plan of attack to force immediate change.
Some of the initiatives include …
Council-enforced ‘terms of use’ at shire sporting and recreational facilities requiring users to adhere to a code of conduct highlighting respectful relationship
Early education campaigns in schools
Youth forums identifying leaders, mentors and ambassadors
Family Violence awareness training (ie, programs highlighting positive and negative styles of fathering, identifying child trauma).
Visual campaigns throughout shire, including 1800 RESPECT line for people who think they are a victim or perpetrator of family violence
It is hoped the short-term plan will set the foundations for a long-term cultural shift supported by all levels of government, Victoria Police, welfare agencies, sporting clubs, faith groups, community organisations and all-age educators.
Fiona Cost, leading the charge against family violence in Cardinia Shire, said the community’s best bet at ending the scourge was by involving young people in the conversation.
“If we want to make a long-term change, we have to think about who are going to be the parents of the future. They are the young people of today. We need to hear their voices,” she said.
To join the fight against family violence, search Together We Can on Facebook or visit www.togetherwecan.org.au.
Anyone who is experiencing family violence can phone the safe steps 24/7 Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188.
Find more on the campaign on pages 7-9.
