Information session on Family Violence

November is a month dedicated to Family Violence awareness, reduction of incidents, early intervention, information, education and support for the enhancement of all types of relationships and family life.  Pronia has organized an information session at Clayton Community Centre, with the support of Victoria police for information provision to the community.

Family violence happens in all ethnicities and groups. It affects all ages and genders. It doesn’t discriminate in terms of financial affluence, culture or religious beliefs. It includes any behaviour that causes fear, pain, stress, humiliation and control over another (often, but not limited to, the partner). Family violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, mental or financial. It can include neglect. It could be ongoing or sporadic, intentional or unintentional. It is a crime. It can make the victim live in a constant state of stress and fear awaiting the next eruption.   It harms communication, openness and trust. There are times when the violence may stop for a period of time and things may even be good for a while, but the cycle repeats itself. Also, men can be victims of family violence.

Familial violence takes many forms. For example, 43% of all murders in Australia are related to family violence. This means that the perpetrator is a loved one and not some stranger down the street. It’s often the husband or boyfriend, partner or other family member.  Additionally, 30% of the total number of assaults against women are family violence-related. Police data shows that 29.2% of abductions and disappearances of women are family violence-related and the partner is the perpetrator. 36.1% of all female rapes are instigated from the intimate partner of the victim. 32.5% of all court cases and 6.7% of destruction to personal property has to do with domestic violence situations.

 Pronia provides information, advocacy, support and referral services through Social workers, Counsellors and Educators to individuals, couples and families who are affected by family disputes and conflict (couple issues, relationships between parents and children, separation/divorce, relationships between grandparents and other relatives etc.)

 What should you do if you or someone you know experiences violence?

If someone you know experiences violence in their relationship or you may believe that they are affected in some way, have a chat with them and listen to what they are saying. If you notice that there are issues, try to understand what they are going through. Try and encourage them to seek help from a Social worker or a Counsellor. If you experience family violence please reach out and talk to a professional.

Pronia through our collaboration with Monash Council organizes a community information session on Family Violence in partnership with Victoria Police at Clayton Community Centre 9-15 Cooke Street on Wednesday 14 November at 10.30 am to 12 pm.

It is essential to RSVP by calling 93889998.