Domestic violence affects one in four Australian women and yet so many of us struggle to talk about it. The only way we can improve this pervasive issue is to confront the reality of domestic violence head-on – and that means standing against it in our everyday lives.
Here are five simple yet powerful actions to stand against domestic violence.
1. Learn to recognise the signs
Domestic violence manifests in various forms, not just physical harm but also through verbal, financial, and emotional abuse. By educating yourself on what domestic violence really looks like, you can start looking out for signs that someone may be experiencing abuse.
Being educated on the ways that domestic violence can manifest allows you to help potential victims. Recognising common indicators such as anxiety, strict financial control, constant calls from a partner, or physical injuries with unlikely explanations means you can offer support if it’s ever needed.
2. Use your voice to raise awareness
The social taboo and stigma that surrounds domestic violence only protects the perpetrators of these crimes. When we use our voice to ensure that the issue gets the attention it deserves, we create communities that don’t condone domestic violence and support the people affected when they need it most.
You can do this in your everyday life by leveraging your networks and social media platforms to raise awareness about domestic violence. Share resources, information, and stories that shed light on the issue.
3. Lead by example with healthy relationships
One of the best ways to fight against domestic violence is to model what a healthy, equal relationship looks like in your own life. While victims can be of any gender, standing up to gender inequality is crucial, and this is why challenging traditional gender norms or unhealthy relationship dynamics is so important.
Encourage healthy communication, respect, and equality in your relationships. Acting as a positive role model is vital, especially when educating children about healthy relationships and boundaries. This helps break the cycle of violence by fostering a culture of equality and mutual respect.
4. Support victims of domestic violence
If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, offering your support can be life-changing. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or helping someone seek refuge in a safer place, being a pillar of strength and support can give domestic violence sufferers strength during an isolating, difficult time.
Offering your support can be as simple as asking compassionate, non-judgmental questions, and allowing someone to express their feelings. This can help them access professional help, whether that be physical or emotional. If someone is in immediate danger, make sure you call for help and involve authorities. Creating a supportive environment is crucial for empowering victims to seek help.
5. When you see violence, call it out
Dismantling the culture that perpetuates domestic violence is a collective effort. This is why we all need to take responsibility for challenging harmful jokes, stereotypes, or criticisms about survivors’ experiences that perpetuate the problem. These things may seem harmless on the surface, but they contribute to complacency and apathy towards domestic violence in our communities.
Engaging men and boys in conversations about domestic violence prevention is crucial, as this encourages them to be allies and role models in promoting healthy relationships. By taking individual steps, you play a crucial role in creating safer, more supportive communities for everyone.
Remember, if you or anyone you know is impacted by domestic violence, the national counselling helpline 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available 24/7 for information and support. Taking a stand against domestic violence is a collective responsibility, and your actions can make a significant impact.
About Berry Street
Berry Street is a child and family services organisation helping children, young people and families who are experiencing poverty, violence and abuse. Its focus is to help families stay together in safe and healthy homes so they can create the future they imagine for themselves.
Most support systems only kick in when families reach crisis point. Berry Street is working to shift priorities so that children and families get support when they need it, and victim-survivors get the help they need to recover.
About Jenny McNaughton, Deputy CEO and Executive Director, Services, Berry Street
Jenny has previously worked in various national roles including National Advisor for Reconciliation, National Advisor for Strategy & Change, and National Senior Project Officer for Settlement Services.
Jenny has extensive experience in sectors including homelessness, child protection, drug and alcohol, youth, foster care, disability, refugees and family violence. Her career began over 25 years ago as a social worker in youth homelessness with Prahran Mission. She spent several years in Alice Springs and the wider Northern Territory working with Aboriginal communities.
Jenny went on to work in senior roles within youth and community services with several organisations such as Wesley Mission and St Vincent de Paul, including CEO of St Kilda Youth Service. She regularly draws on her decades-long experience in her wide-ranging roles at Berry Street.