Rotary 100 Centenary project Rotary Safe Families Program including the 2 films, has been watched and accepted by hundreds of Rotary Clubs and Rotarians throughout Australia. We are working very hard to provide these powerful messages to all Rotarians in the hope we can make a difference in the actual prevention of violence by Rotarians and the public able to identify the drivers of violence.
An excerpt from "The Age" 26 July, 2020:
"Logic suggests the lockdown - with increased stress from unemployment, the lack of the safety valve to remove yourself from a volatile situation, increased alcohol consumption and limited opportunities to seek external help - will lead to an increase in family violence.
When the lockdown ends and victims try to take back their lives, they will be at increased risk.
McWhirter says there will be a disturbing number of children subjected to family violence for the first time, both directly and as observers: “We are concerned about the children who are subjected to this and the downstream effect in three, five or seven years.”
Royal commissions and coronial inquests have exposed fatal flaws in the system where victims’ calls for help have been ignored, offenders have repeatedly breached court orders or the emergency response has come too late.
...............
But now many victims can’t make that discreet call. How do you escape a home when you have only one of four reasons to leave the house? Even routine visits to the doctor – often the first step for a victim to seek help – have been replaced with tele-consultations.
............
Maybe it is the non-victims of family violence who need to step up. Maybe we need to understand this is not an issue for them but for us. It is ingrained in us not to meddle in other’s lives but sometimes we need to intervene. Why would we run to stop a bashing in a street yet routinely ignore violence over the back fence?
It is Dean McWhirter’s message to us all. “We encourage third-party reporting. It is OK to report on someone’s behalf if it is safe for you and safe for them.
“If you are concerned keep in contact with the people you know including family members, friends and work colleagues.”
Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817 is available 8am to 11pm, seven days a week. National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Referral Service: 1800 737 732"
You will find the Safe Families Program via: www.rotaryclubofmelbourne.org.au/rotary safe families
SPREAD THE MESSAGE PLEASE
