Serina McDuff’s Post

💡 One Fundamental Element Missing From The Conversation Around Domestic Violence 💡 Men. Specifically, men who use violence have been almost completely eliminated from the national cabinet discussion and funding allocations. 📰Kylie Morris from PRIMER MAGAZINE INC. interviewed specialists dedicated to preventing men's violence, exploring crucial next steps in fostering change. Our CEO Hala A. gives her insights alongside No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper and Professor Michael Flood. Hala provides her perspective on the matter, voicing her frustration at what she calls "a dangerously narrow response so far." 🔸The article discusses the first ever national summit on domestic violence as assembled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 🔸The National Cabinet promised permanent funding for the Leaving Violence pilot programme ($925 million over five years) that provides eligible survivors with short term payments and support. Whilst many of us welcome this, we are frustrated, exhausted and astounded that there was no space in the discussion or funding allocations for improving the way in which we engage men to stop their abuse, and to prevent them from repeatedly offending. 🟣 “We need a strategy that focuses on men’s violence. Not a strategy to move women around from refuges, or change the locks,” Philip Ripper, quoted in article. 🟣 "Attention has focused particularly on the men who are more lethal, but we have to address the men who are heading that way.” Michael Flood, quoted in article. 🟣 "...how many refuges do you build? It doesn’t solve the problem." Hala Abdelnour, quoted in article. 🔊 We call on our government representatives to listen more deeply to the frontline workers directly engaging men who are at high or potential risk of murdering or causing serious harms to their (ex)partners and other family members. We have been ignored far too long! 🔗 Read the full article in the link below. https://lnkd.in/gHf4QChx #nonviolence #ionv #instituteofnonviolence #mensviolence #workingwithmen #endVAW #DV #FDV #FDSV #DFV #familyviolence Micaela Cronin Hannah Tonkin Amanda Rishworth

When the media attention diminishes around family violence, and it will, our strength of advocacy must not. The government's willingness to disrupt family violence should not be related to news cycles but because fundementally family violence is never acceptable. We all deserve safety, respect and dignity. A thoughtful and powerful response from Respect Victoria ' In Victoria, the Royal Commission into Family Violence made explicit connections between access to housing, appropriate justice system responses and the role of health and finance systems alongside the need to drive cultural change. The foundational work of the Royal Commission has laid the groundwork for what must come next – comprehensive action that takes every opportunity to prevent and disrupt the cycle of violence. To drive down rates of violence urgently and into the future we need a diverse range of solutions to be actioned and we need to drive cultural and institutional change. We must make sure that when someone seeks crisis support or legal advice, they can access it. When a woman and her children need emergency housing it should be there and be secure. When a man needs to talk to someone about his behaviour, he should be able to have that professional guidance. We need to hold industries and institutions that continue to uphold harmful gender norms and attitudes and turn a blind eye or even actively encourage violent or discriminatory behaviour to account. This will take appropriate legislation and trialling effective measures. At the same time, we need to make sure that everyone is supported to learn about healthy relationships, consent and the warning signs of violence. That every single one of us is receiving the right messages, supports and information that we need to ultimately identify and prevent violence. ' https://lnkd.in/gPiq3Jrb

These tragedies should have been prevented. We need radical change to end this family violence epidemic and keep women, children and communities safer.     We need a more robust and accountable system that can keep men who choose to use violence in view. We also need to ensure that women are listened to, believed, and actively supported by Police, who must be better trained to recognise family violence and to intervene effectively when it is occurring.     And we must encourage a whole of community approach to safety.     We need a roadmap that offers pathways forward for individuals, families, communities, and governments to learn, grow and work together to break cycles of family violence.     We need to build the knowledge base to better understand pathways and drivers into and out of violence; create transformative ways of preventing people from using violence and create non-violent, respectful relationships; and develop a broad suite of innovative, effective interventions; and whole of society responses.  

Gender-based violence remains a critical issue that affects countless individuals worldwide, and addressing it requires collective awareness and action. This article from the Chilean Public Prosecutor’s Office sheds light on the different facets of gender violence while emphasizing the importance of support systems for victims. To aid those affected, here are a few vital steps we can all take: 1. Educate Yourself: Understanding the signs of gender-based violence can empower you to identify cases within your community. 2. Provide Support: If someone confides in you about their experience, listen without judgment. Sometimes, simply being there can make a significant difference. 3. Advocate for Resources: Ensure that local services are accessible. Sharing information about shelters and hotlines can be lifesaving. 4. Encourage Open Dialogue: Talk about gender violence openly with your friends and family. Breaking the stigma can lead to a more supportive community. By taking these steps, we create a network of safety and support for those affected by violence. The outcome? A society that stands together against injustice and prioritizes the well-being of its members. I encourage everyone to share their tips or personal experiences on how to combat gender-based violence. Let’s learn and grow together in this vital dialogue. https://lnkd.in/eDQaRhCH

TW: Domestic and Family Violence It's a time to confront some harsh realities. In Australia, the rate of women killed by an intimate partner has spiked by 30% — an absolutely unacceptable statistic. Patricia Kinnersly puts it starkly, "Violent murders are only the tip of the iceberg. There are tens of thousands of women living in controlling unhealthy relationships." Here's a hard truth: 1 in 4 women has experienced violence, emotional, or economic abuse by a cohabitating partner since the age of 15. This means you likely know someone who has, whether they've told you or not. Don't believe it? Not in your neighborhood? Not in your circles? By connecting with me, you know someone who has. Me. But why doesn't she just leave? It’s far from simple. ➡ 75% of domestic homicides occur while a woman is trying to leave or has already left her abusive partner. ➡Domestic violence is a leading driver of homelessness for women. ➡Financial barriers, loss of property, and long-term economic hardship often keep women trapped in violent situations. Financial independence is not just a benefit; it’s a necessity. It’s critical for women to get out and stay out of abusive relationships. At Pallas, empowering women to prioritise their financial independence is central to our mission. We're dedicated to helping you build a business that is YOUR asset, an asset that truly serves YOU. This May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and for every new referral to Pallas, we will make a donation to the The Zahra Foundation Australia, an organisation committed to ensuring that every woman impacted by domestic abuse is economically empowered and safe. To those who have endured domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, or coercive control: It isn't your fault someone you love chose to abuse or be violent to you. You've been let down by those around you - friends, family, professionals and the system. Know that you deserved better. If you or someone you love is navigating the challenges of domestic violence, know that there is strength in seeking help, and I am here to support you. I'll share some helpful links in the comments below. I appreciate this is a loaded topic and encourage your enagement, but please, keep it respecful and data/fact based (opinions are not facts). #DomesticViolenceAwareness #FinancialIndependence #WomenEmpowerment #Pallas

Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day was established by the Parliament of Canada to mark the December 6, 1989, mass shooting at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal.   If you are in Regina, SK, the University of Regina Women’s Centre is hosting its annual vigil to honour the 14 young women who lost their lives that day.   The event will take place Friday, December 6, 12 p.m. at the University of Regina, Riddel Center. It is hosted by Jill Arnott, Executive Director, U of R Women’s Center. As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination. Gender-based violence in Canada has been magnified and amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been reports from police services, shelters, and local organization of an increase in calls related to gender-based violence across Canada during the pandemic. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

Today is International Women's Day 2024, a day that celebrates the achievements of women. This year, we want to shine a light Llamau's mission is to end homelessness for women, one of the biggest causes of homelessness for women is domestic abuse. Last year Llamau helped over 5,000 women, children and young people through our wide range of Domestic Abuse Services across Wales. It's a staggering number, each representing an individual whose life has been touched, and potentially transformed, through their interventions. 98% of women, children and young people reported feeling safer after receiving support from one of Llamau's Domestic Abuse Services last year. Protection and prevention initiatives create the building blocks to safe, independent and fear free lives. As we move past International Women's Day, let's not forget the ongoing efforts needed every day of the year to combat domestic abuse. Organisations like Llamau are making a real difference, but they can't do it alone. We are proud to support Llamau in their mission. #InternationalWomensDay #SupportServices #EndDomesticAbuse

Gender-based violence in a local, national, and global issue. That is why every year, we engage in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. The campaign runs every year from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day. Why is it important? Every 10 minutes, partners and family members killed a woman or a girl intentionally in 2023 (UN Women). What can you do about it? 1. Become Signal for Help Responders. Learn how to respond when someone faces https://lnkd.in/er4z6fef 2. Donate to organizations such as Shelters, Nonprofits supporting anti-violence work. 3. Examine social norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence in your communities. 4. Encourage boys and men to learn about the harms of gender-based violence on women, girls and gender-expansive individuals.  It's time to Come Together, Act Now #16daysofactivism #humanrights #genderbasedviolence #women #girls Resources https://lnkd.in/e43xBxPh

🌍 Ending Violence Against Women: How Can You Help? Ending violence against women requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves societal change and the empowerment of individuals. While we may not always intervene directly, we can all contribute in meaningful ways: 1. Support Victims •Support women in need 🫂 Volunteer or donate to organizations providing essential services such as shelters, counseling, and legal aid. •Help survivors rebuild their lives💪 Offer emotional and financial support, enabling survivors to regain independence and thrive. 2.Encourage Men’s Involvement. •Engage men and boys🤝 Men and boys play a crucial role inchallenging toxic masculinity and promoting respect. Encourage their participation in discussions on gender-based violence. •Foster open discussions🗣️ Create safe spaces for men to share their experiences and address harmful behaviors before they escalate. 3.Promote Bystander Intervention •Stand up when you witness violence👀 Learn how to safely intervene and prevent situations from escalating. •Empower communities ✨ Foster a collective sense of responsibility to make ending violence a shared goal. Every small action matters in creating a safer, more equitable world for women. Let us take steps today to ensure a violence-free future for all. Join the movement to end violence against women 💪🧡 #EndViolenceAgainstWomen. #DeshcareInternational #GenderEquality #16days #Orangetheworld #TogetherWeCan