Domestic Violence Support
Through responses received by SGMRC’s case work and feedback received through our networks and official sources, it is clear that CALD communities are experiencing increased incidences of family relationship breakdown resulting in family and domestic violence.
As with any migrant situation, a victim’s circumstance is further compounded by lack of family support in Australia, a sense of loss within unfamiliar surroundings and, in many cases, poor English skills; these factors all become serious barriers to seeking help.
Therefore, the Community Services program has actively pursued funding for the DV program. In the past year, SGMRC received grants from the NSW Premier’s Department and Cabinet Office for Women’s Policy for a police referral domestic violence project (DVPASS Project) and for strengthening culturally and linguistically diverse families through prevention of domestic violence and impact minimisation project.
The Domestic Violence Pro-Active Support Service (DVPASS) project which started in June 2010 is an integrated partnership with the St George and Hurstville Local Area Commands to support DV victims at the earliest possible opportunity; immediately following an incident support, information and appropriate referrals are made available to victims.
The project has focused on the provision of early intervention to domestic and family violence victims and their children; assurance of seamless support through integrated, collaborative partnerships; and enhancement of victim safety.
During the eight months of service delivery, a total of 1025 cases were received. The most common assistance sought included information, phone and court support, DV Counselling, drugs and alcohol Counselling services, legal services, St George MRC and community services.
CALD clients who were referred to the DV Pass project included Lebanese, Greek, Chinese, Macedonian, Asian (other than Chinese such as Bengali, Thai, Korean, Philippine and Vietnamese), Russian and Croatian.
The DV Community Education Project which started in March 2011, targets South Asian (Nepalese and Bengali) and Chinese community.
It helps women experiencing DV and their communities through changing attitudes towards the right to live a life free of violence; increasing knowledge on supportive community and legal systems; and better appreciation for respectful family relationships.
Additionally, multi-lingual DV educational materials are also being produced.
Consultations were held to understand cultural attitudes towards DV, gender power relations and cultural interpretation of family relationships and gender roles.
Through this process, it has identified key stakeholders and gatekeepers in the community with whom we have jointly devised strategies to raise awareness and educate community members on non-tolerance of DV.