THE perception that domestic violence is mainly committed by people from poor socioeconomic backgrounds is wrong, a forum has heard.
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Some 50 people gathered on Wednesday night to hear more about domestic violence, and ways to provide support to victims.
Guest speakers included Goulburn MP, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward, deputy chair of the National Association of Services Against Sexual Assault Karen Willis and Hume Local Area Command superintendent Zoran Dzevlan.
The forum, organised by the CWA Southern Tablelands Group, later contained a panel discussion featuring support services. Domestic violence isn’t limited to physical violence.
It includes sexual assaults, emotional abuse, manipulation and intimidation.
Ms Goward said domestic violence has one of the highest reoffending rates of all recorded offence groups.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to save a woman from violence, and to save a family from violence,” Ms Goward said.
“It takes family, friends and the community to listen, understand and be there to support her.
“It isn’t easy. We know that a woman is most at risk of death or serious assault when she first leaves her partner, and that’s why the supports she receives absolutely need to be focused on keeping her safe.”
Ms Goward spoke about reforms the State Government had introduced, along with plans to begin a domestic violence education course into the year 11 syllabus.
Ms Willis said that instances of female violence against male partners was uncommon, with one in 20 men reporting some form of abuse.
“Overwhelmingly”, domestic violence is committed by men, she said.
“Domestic violence is always the responsibility of the offender,” Ms Willis said.
“Of all the domestic violence related homicides that happen in this country, the overwhelming majority of these happen in the first six months.”
The forum was also aimed at dispelling a number of myths about domestic violence.
Supt Dzevlan repeatedly condemned perpetrators of domestic violence as “cowards” during his address. Margaret Clinton from the CWA told the Goulburn Post that the forum was “about getting the conversation about domestic violence happening”, with plans for further forums in the new year.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
Domestic violence statistics In NSW in 2013 10,800 sexual or indecent assaults reported to police 28,300 incidents of domestic violence related assault reported to police 1 in 5 women will experience sexual assault 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
