web hosting

free directory

cheap domains

Domestic Violence Resources  freedom from fear for Families in Australia

Definition

Abuse is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Battering happens when one person believes he or she is entitled to control another. Assault, battering and domestic violence are crimes.*

*Every Home a Safe Home- NCADV

Most country women would not want to live anywhere else. Whether a woman lives on a large cattle property, in a small rural town, a tribal community, in a mining, grazing or agricultural area, there is a bond between themselves, the land, the country side and the way of life. Rural women come from a range of different backgrounds. They are married, single, partnered and unpartnered. Their families have lived here for generations, for thousands of years, or were born in other countries. They may or may not speak English. Country women are resourceful in their various roles as mothers, farmers, carers, students, organisers, workers, community members, neighbours, friends and partners.

Country women need to be resourceful. Each area of the country has challenges for those who live there. Apart from the ever present good years and bad years - to do with the weather, government decisions, and the local economy - distance from other people and other places affects country women wherever they live.

For a rural woman who experiences violence from her partner, both geographical distance and fear of a lack of confidentiality, can work to keep her socially isolated. In some communities everyone knows everything about everyone, and it can take great courage to reach out for assistance to change her situation. Fear can be the most powerful weapon. The decision to leave a violent partner is not a simple matter. It can be extremely difficult for a woman to walk away from land, friends, and familiar life. Local services may be an option for support, however, there are confidential Statewide Services she can contact. It may take time to find the right person, but for most women there is a friend, person in their family or member of the local community who can listen, believe her and support her decisions.

All women have the right to live in a safe place free from fear.

All rural women can support this right through knowledge and action.

It is often in hard times that the strength of rural communities is most obvious. No-one likes to believe that Domestic Violence exists in their own community but it does. Rural communities can work towards an end to Domestic Violence in the following ways.

• Breaking the silence is the first step. Each of us has a responsibility to inform others that Domestic Violence is a serious and widespread problem.
• Be prepared to acknowledge that this form of violence is occurring in your community.
• Don’t allow jokes about Domestic Violence to be made in your presence. It isn’t funny.
• Support local services or groups working to stop Domestic Violence.
• Invite someone to your social club, CWA meeting or church group to speak about the issue.
• Learn more about Domestic Violence, particularly the laws relating to it.
• Phone the police when you are concerned for the safety of a woman or child. It’s hard, but get involved.
• Support Domestic Violence programs, especially those aimed at community education and training.
• Be clear that a person is responsible for their own violent behaviour. A woman is not to blame for the violence against her.
• Understand the difficulties women experiencing Domestic Violence face in rural communities.
• Listen to women’s stories and hear between the lines. An invitation to share may be the opening a woman needs to reach out for information and assistance.
• Domestic Violence is a serious problem within any community and we are committed to providing an appropriate, effective and professional response in order for the people of Queensland to feel safe from such violence and for victims to receive the maximum protection under the law. Domestic violence is not the sole responsibility of the Queensland Police Service. All organisations, both government and non-government, have an important part to play in response to, and in the prevention of, domestic violence in the community. A coordinated response to domestic violence is one such way both government and non-government organisations can work together to address domestic violence in the community. The Queensland Police Service is committed to working in partnership with the people of Queensland in order to enhance the safety and security of the community.

Affordable web hosting at http://www.granitebelthosting.com