International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was marked on Saturday, November 25.
Orange is the United Nations’ chosen colour to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls.
The Zonta Club of Port Lincoln has scattered orange timber cut outs dubbed the “orange ladies” around the city to help raise awareness over the 16 days of activism, to help eliminate domestic violence.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey for 2021-22 found one in four women and one in 14 men had experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare said there was a wide range of definitions currently used for concepts relating to family, domestic and sexual violence, with no single definition in Australia.
The term encompasses a wide range of behaviours and harms that can occur in both family and non-family settings.
For people that may be at risk, South Australian Police has the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, which provides an avenue to get information about a partner or former partner, to help make decisions about safety and the future of a relationship.
A request for information can be made by either the person who is feeling unsafe in their relationship or a person concerned about the welfare of someone they know.
The scheme is an early intervention and prevention initiative, not an emergency response service – Phone Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.
Women or children experiencing domestic violence in Port Lincoln and surrounds can access Yarredi Services, an organisation that aims to support and empower clients in these positions. Chief executive officer Mishelle Di Pinto said Yarredi Services provided a 24-hour crisis response for women and children experiencing domestic and or family violence that require emergency assistance.
“Early intervention and prevention strategies can include applying to the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme or reaching out to a service for specialist support to prepare to safely leave a DV situation,” she said.
“In the last week four women have allegedly lost their lives to domestic violence, if you require support or assistance please reach out to your local service.”
Visit yarredi.org.au or phone 8683 0311.
Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation has an office in Port Lincoln and principal legal officer Julie Detchon said the organisation provided legal and non-legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are victim/survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault in South Australia.
“We also assist non-indigenous people who have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their care,” she said.
“Our service is free and confidential, and is delivered in a culturally safe and trauma informed way.
“We run early intervention and community legal education programs across the region to help people understand more about issues relating to family violence and their options to get help.
She said the next event – and the last one for the year – is a Sista2Sista day on Wednesday, November 29 in Whyalla for First Nations’ women on Eyre Peninsula.
“People can get in contact with us by using the form on our website – fvlsac.org.au – by phone or coming to our office at 89 Liverpool Street, Port Lincoln.”
1800RESPECT is a service that supports everyone impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence, including men. They can provide options to access specialist trauma counselling or other support services for men and boys dealing with violence. To access that service phone 1800 737 732.
