Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia | Non-profit organisation

Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia

Phone: +61 2 8585 0333

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25.01.2022 HOW CAN YOU HELP? Donate to support the #LetUsSpeak campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stop-silencing-survivors Sign the #LetUsSpeak petition: https://www.change.org/p/daniel-andrews-revoke-victoria-s-n ... Thank you to Nina Funnell, the creator of the #LetUsSpeak campaign for shedding light on the recent 'gag laws' introduced in Victoria, and for giving a voice to those who experience sexual assault across Australia. "Thousands of Victorian sexual assault survivors have lost their legal right to speak out. In February, new state laws were quietly introduced which silence all sexual assault survivors whose offenders have been found guilty. These new laws prevent survivors from speaking to media using their real names, in all cases which have resulted in a conviction. The laws apply regardless of whether the victim consents to be named. They also silence many survivors who have lawfully been able to tell their stories in public in the past. Those found guilty of breaking these sweeping new laws could face up to four months jail and fines in excess of $8,000. The Ballarat survivors, victims of clergy abuse, and other public survivor advocates are among those who have lost the right to speak and could now face contempt of court if they continue their campaigns or media work. As a result of the new laws, these survivors and others are now being forced to return to court at their own expense and inconvenience, to obtain court orders to speak publicly about their cases. This can and is costing survivors thousands of dollars. In 2018, as a survivor of sexual assault and journalist, I launched the #LetHerSpeak campaign to overturn similar sexual assault victim gag-laws in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Those laws were preventing survivors from courageously sharing their stories. We won - with landmark reforms being introduced in Tasmania and the NT this year to allow survivors to speak out."

24.01.2022 A life free of violence is always possible. Preventing sexual, domestic, and family violence is everyone's business. Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia follows the Our Watch Change the Story framework, a national framework for the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia. "Primary prevention makes preventing violence everyone’s responsibility and asserts that we all have a role to play in changing the culture, structures and attit...udes that drive violence against women." Our Watch, Putting the prevention of violence against women into practice #16DaysofActivism Find out more here: https://www.ourwatch.org.au/change-the-story/

23.01.2022 Karen Willis, Executive Officer at Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia speaks on the complexity of violence against women in Australia and how we as a nation need to do better.

23.01.2022 "Having a daughter does not make a man decent. Having a wife does not make a decent man. Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man,"

22.01.2022 Donate a call for support today: https://emergencyappeal-rape-dvservices.raisely.com It is critical that we are able to pick up their call, now that those who have been experiencing violence during lockdown finally reach out for support. During COVID-19 one woman was murder every week due to domestic violence. This week 3 women have lost their lives to domestic violence. As social distancing restrictions loosen, those who have been experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence behind closed doors will finally be able to reach out for support. #enddfv #domesticviolence #sexualviolence #violenceagainstwomen #lockdownviolence #womensrights #donate

22.01.2022 "We might say that not all misogyny leads to violence but that all violence starts with misogyny." says Brad Chilcott, Executive Director of White Ribbon Australia

22.01.2022 Home isnt everyones safe place. Please help women in crisis by donating to our emergency appeal today: https://emergencyappeal-rape-dvservices.raisely.com/ During COVID-19 one woman was murder every week due to domestic violence. As social distancing restrictions loosen, those who have been experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence behind closed doors will finally be able to reach out for support. A message from Karen Willis, Executive Officer at Rape & Domestic V...iolence Services Australia: "All of the evidence tells us that during the period of lockdown, that violence will have increased. We know that once lockdown starts to decrease, that those who have been experiencing violence are going to come forward in incredible numbers seeking our assistance to help them to safety and recovery, and we want to be ready for that - we are seeking your help. We also have grave concerns about what offenders may do - who have had 3 to 4 months of total 24/7 control - and as those who are subject to their violence seek to move out of the house, we're assuming they're going to increase that level of violence as a way of maintaining that control...we are really worried about the impact that's going to have on mostly women and kids. Any help that you can offer us to assist those people who deserve a free, safe and comfortable life - please help us to do that."

21.01.2022 Karen Willis, EO at Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia speaks on the illuminating research released by Australian Institute of Criminology that has "confirmed the fears of anti-violence advocates"

20.01.2022 CW: depiction of domestic violence I had to make a decision, Stacey said. Should I leave right now during like this pandemic and we could get possibly get sick or I need to go and save my life and my kids.

19.01.2022 "Forms of control and abuse, like disabling phone or internet services and monitoring electronic communications, are particularly damaging during pandemic lockdowns. Many other digital transgressions including livestreaming child sexual abuse, nonconsensual photo sharing and forced pornographic consumption, are exacerbated by the combination of technology, time and isolation. "

19.01.2022 "At the end of May, countless women began to speak out about being sexually assaulted and harassed by male tattoo artists in the UK. Sharing their experiences mainly on Instagram, similar accounts came up again and again of men repeatedly using their position to take advantage of their clients, cross boundaries, send sexually explicit messages without consent and act abusively within romantic relationships."

18.01.2022 Thank you Wests Tigers and Brydens Lawyers for your incredible support and shared commitment to putting a full stop to sexual, domestic and family violence in Australia. Donate today: https://emergencyappeal-rape-dvservices.raisely.com/

18.01.2022 Male Champions of Change have released a new resource that tackles the confronting issue of employees who use domestic and family violence as part of nationwide... efforts to end this endemic, societal scourge. It is supported by member organisations such as Telstra, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Ashurst and Medibank and provides clear guidance on how organisations can recognise, respond to and refer relevant employees to seek support to stop these behaviours. Find out more: https://malechampionsofchange.com/employees-who-use-domesti #DomesticViolence #FamilyViolence #inThisTogether2020 Our Watch No to Violence Australia's CEO Challenge Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia UNSW

18.01.2022 "Over 50% of workers in Victoria reported an increase in the frequency and severity of domestic violence. These findings were mirrored in Queensland, with 70% of practitioners observing an escalation in the violence experienced by women in May."

18.01.2022 "The $3.3 million Federal Government scheme was announced in 2018 but two years later, it has not materialised despite a promised start date of July 1 this year."

17.01.2022 "Legal services are having to turn away up to half the financially disadvantaged and vulnerable women escaping domestic and family violence who come to them desperate for help. The Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 has today been told frontline legal services dealing with domestic violence matters were already struggling before the pandemic hit, and are now unable to answer 50 per cent of their calls. Todays evidence shows that the additional funding promised to these services in May was too little and is being delivered too late, and that the Morrison Government must step up and do more."

17.01.2022 "The report says he allegedly broke into a woman's home, threatened her and assaulted her. She was taken to hospital for treatment and he was arrested after running from the police." "The headline didn't mention the woman he was charged with assaulting, the assault itself, the fact that she knew him or the domestic violence offences. All of that was erased from the headline and replaced with the fact that police had to chase him." "I don't know, maybe they could have just headlined it with "police do their job" or "we don't want to mention men's violence against women in headlines"."

16.01.2022 For over 30 years Karen Willis has dedicated her life to helping other women in crisis. In her role as Executive Officer of the Full Stop Foundation, she leads ...a team dedicated to helping put a full stop to sexual, domestic and family violence. Violence against women is about a human rights abuse. This is about human dignity. The question isnt, why doesn't she just leave? The question is, why doesn't he stop? With client caseloads increasing during lockdown by as much as 56%, Karen is delighted with NRMA Insurances $2 million funding to help the Foundation continue its trauma specialist support services, 24 seven, by phone or online. For the full story visit, https://go.nrma.com.au/FullStop. See more

16.01.2022 "None of the five recommendations significantly changes the existing law. The proposals do nothing to strengthen the law on sexual consent, nor do they address the problems that prompted the review in the first place"

15.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this incredible milestone!! And a special thank you to the anonymous donor who gifted $1,000 to help us reach this goal We have been blown away by the incredible generosity we have received over this past month! Especially at this challenging time for all Australians. Help us reach our goal and donate a trauma counselling call today: https://emergencyappeal-rape-dvservices.raisely.com

14.01.2022 Many experiencing violence during this crisis have been isolated with their perpetrators, and unable to reach out for support. During lockdowns cases of sexual, domestic and family violence are expected to skyrocket. It is essential that when those experiencing violence finally reach out for support, we are able to pick up the phone. Donate a call to our 24/7 trauma counselling support today.... We cant afford to miss one call. Not now. See more

13.01.2022 Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. For many people experiencing family violence, their workplace is their only safe place. It is a space where arrangements can be safely made to leave family violence. Working from home has now made workplaces unsafe for many workers. The new workplace resource "Working From Home When Home Isn't Safe: How to respond to family & domestic violence in home-based workplaces" will assist unions, employe...rs and workers in addressing a range of health and safety issues. Thank you to Australian Services Union NSW & ACT and Unions NSW for your leadership and collaboration in developing this resource. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE: https://www.asumembers.org.au/working_from_home_when_home_i #16daysofactivism #healthandsafety #workersafety #familyviolence #domesticviolence #workingfromhome #workplace #EndGBV #leadership #workathome #union

13.01.2022 Anyone exposed to the trauma of others are at risk of experiencing trauma impacts. Learn to recognise, understand and manage Vicarious Trauma with our online interactive workshop. 60 minutes AASW endorsed (1 CPD Hour) Individual and organisational pricing available.... If you have any questions or would like to enrol today, please contact us at [email protected] or through our website https://bit.ly/2Fz5FM2 This interactive online workshop will assist workers in identifying the impacts of vicarious trauma, as well as reflecting on evidence-based strategies which can support individuals in offsetting impacts

13.01.2022 TW: child sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape The changes to the Judicial Proceedings Reports Act which were quietly introduced in February silence all sexual assault victims whose offenders have been found guilty, by banning them from ever speaking out under their real identities. The new gag laws have been described as a major victory for convicted paedophiles and rapists, as their victims are now muzzled and prohibited from self-identifying in publications inc...luding media and autobiographies regardless of their consent. The laws also apply irrespective of when the crime occurred or when the offender was found guilty, meaning that many Victorian survivors who have lawfully been able to tell their stories in the past are now censored. Today, the #LetUsSpeak campaign [a collaboration between Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy (RASARA), Marque Lawyers, End Rape On Campus Australia, and news.com.au] is launching in Victoria to call on the government to reform the gag law and a GoFundMe has also been launched to help support Victorian survivors cover court costs. HOW CAN I HELP? Donate to support the #LetUsSpeak campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stop-silencing-survivors Sign the #LetUsSpeak petition: https://www.change.org/p/daniel-andrews-revoke-victoria-s-n https://www.news.com.au///821647419aee0cdbba5f89678c5a6a14

12.01.2022 If you or anyone you know has been impacted by the recent news in Victoria, please know support is available:

11.01.2022 Being a #tellableperson is about making people feel safe, heard and supported in disclosing their experience of violence. #16DaysOfActivism Find out more: https://tellablepeople.raisely.com/

11.01.2022 "For women in politics, when theres only a few seats at the table No matter our political education or experience, we must demand a bigger table." "From the moment you entered office, I mindlessly recited all the party lines about your so-called treachery. I vigorously campaigned against you. I let ridiculous media commentary slide, ignored blatant sexism and overlooked some horrific campaign collateral. " Former Liberal staffer Chelsey Potter writes a letter of apology to the former PM Julia Gillard

11.01.2022 Male Champions of Change has released a new, detailed roadmap for disrupting current ineffective systems for managing sexual harassment in the workplace. Read t...he report: https://malechampionsofchange.com/preventing-and-responding #GenderEquality #WorkplaceRespect #CulturalChange #DiversityandInclusion

09.01.2022 DAY 2: Our Counsellors are #tellablepeople. Please know support is available. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual, domestic or family violence. We will believe you. We will support you. Give it a go. If you are in need of support or just wanting to connect, we are always here. CONNECT ONLINE OR CALL:... 1800 424 017 - NSW Rape Crisis 1800 211 028 - Sexual Assault Counselling Australia 1800 943 539 - Domestic Violence Service 1800 497 212 - LGBTIQ+ Violence Service (Free. 24/7. Confidential) #16daysofactivism Want to know more? Follow our 16 Day Journey on: https://tellablepeople.raisely.com/about P.s. Let us know in the comment below if you have any more questions for our counsellors

07.01.2022 Reclaim the Night rally via zoom tonight! (7PM) Karen Willis, Executive Officer at Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia will be speaking on the panel, with Christine Robinson, Professor JaneMaree Maher and Jane Gilmore. This year's theme is a reaction to the overwhelming increase in domestic violence during Covid and the recent uncovered prevalence of state violence and gendered violence. Always Remember is an acknowledgement that covid has exacerbated the vulnerable p...osition of at- risk women, and now is the time to take a deep look at issues that are affecting women in 2020. Tickets: $5 Proceeds will be donated to Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia, Women's Community Shelters, and Sisters Inside. https://www.facebook.com/events/999911783789931/.

07.01.2022 "As a community, we need to work smarter on education and awareness, particularly among Queenslanders reaching the age of consent, to change attitudes and prevent sexual violence in the first place," says Di Farmer, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

07.01.2022 If you have a look in the dictionary, tellable is defined as worthy of being told. If someone chooses to tell you that they have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence it means they think you are worthy. They trust you. They know you will believe them.... They feel safe in your presence. But how do you become a tellable person? When someone places their trust in you, how do you in turn prove that you are trustworthy? Being a #tellableperson is simple, but it’s not easy over the next 16 days we are going to take you on a journey to help you respond to the people in your life who have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence and have chosen to place their trust in you. Find out more: https://tellablepeople.raisely.com/ #16daysofactivism

07.01.2022 WOW -Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us reach $10,000 already!! We are now a 10th of the way to our goal IN ONLY A WEEK. This is because of YOU. Your donations mean that we can help those who are brave enough to reach out for support after experiencing violence. We thought by this time this week we would be writing our $5,000 update - but your generosity has been incredible. We are SO humbled. ... Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this first goal! Please share and circulate our campaign to help spread the word and the generosity so we can reach our goal to provide 1000 counselling sessions: https://emergencyappeal-rape-dvservices.raisely.com

06.01.2022 THANK YOU to Wests Tigers for their shared commitment to putting a full stop to sexual, domestic and family violence and to Brydens Lawyers for their generous of donation of $10,000

05.01.2022 "People are being intimidated, threatened and even killed," says Jodi McKay, NSW Opposition Leader "We must work together at a state and federal level to make a meaningful change across the country to keep women and children safe." https://www.abc.net.au//-drum-nsw-coercive-contro/12662614

05.01.2022 WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT? Sexual assault is a crime for which the offender alone is responsible. The person who experienced this violence is never to blame. People use a range of terms to refer to sexual assault and it can be confusing to understand the true definition (e.g. sexual abuse, rape, indecent assault, sexual molestation, incest, child sexual abuse, child sexual assault or sexual harassment) Most important is the understanding that sexual assault is a gendered crime -... the victims are women, children and men while offenders are nearly always men. https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au//i-was-sexually-assault WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Domestic and family violence are broad terms covering a range of different behaviours. Importantly, domestic and family violence is a crime for which offenders are solely responsible.There are many names used to mean domestic and/or family violence. Some people talk about partner violence, intimate partner violence, DV, spousal abuse, child abuse, or incest.We use the term domestic and family violence to describe a range of behaviours that are used by a person to dominate and control another, using tactics that include violence, manipulation, stalking, gaslighting and more.’Domestic violence' usually refers to violence between people who are in an intimate or dating relationship (or who have previously been).The broader term 'family violence' refers to violence between people who have a family relationship eg. brother, sister, cousin, parent, grandparent, etc. Family violence is the preferred term in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in which close relationships and kinship relationships extend far beyond the nuclear family. https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au//types-of-domestic-and- Being a #tellableperson is being informed. No one expects you to have all the answers. But it helps to know the definitions of sexual, domestic and family violence to be a #tellableperson and supporting your friends and family in disclosing their experience of violence.

05.01.2022 "How is it a justice system if an already traumatised person experiences the trial of their rapist as something akin to the rape itself?" "Legislation defining consent, the elements of rape and the admissibility of evidence are written by lawyers, debated by parliament, implemented by barristers and interpreted by judges. The same people who are sexually harassing and even sometimes sexually assaulting their colleagues. "

04.01.2022 CW: discussion of sexual assault "Lavinia Duga, 29, has become the first woman to speak out under landmark new laws in the Northern Territory, which have eased the gag restrictions on complainants in sexual offence matters." "Yet not all sexual assault survivors in the NT are now free to free to speak following law reform and, ironically, one of the lead figures in the #LetHerSpeak campaign remains gagged".

04.01.2022 "Young females in their late teens are more likely than other Australians to be victims of sexual assault, and young males of the same age group are most likely to be recorded as perpetrators, according to police-recorded data in a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)." The sexual assault rate was higher for those aged 1519 (455.0 per 100,000) than any other age group. This was true for both females (840.1 per 100,000) and males (86.7 per 100,000), AIHW spokesperson Ms. Louise York said. https://www.aihw.gov.au//new-report-sheds-light-on-sexual-

03.01.2022 Accessing contraception was the number 1 reason people used our telehealth service. This is no longer an option for new clients and many existing clients. Rein...state access to telehealth for people needing contraception and other essential, specialised health care Australian Government Department of Health Greg Hunt MP. #notelehealthnohealthcare

02.01.2022 Adair Donaldson has had the privilege of presenting to the students of Fairholme College since 2007. This morning, Adair spoke to year 10 students on the topic...s of workplace relationships and sexual harassment prior to them commencing work experience later this month. We would like to express our appreciation to the leadership team at Fairholme College who have kindly made a donation to Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia as a gesture of thanks for Adairs time. See more

02.01.2022 If a friend tells you they have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence do you know how to respond? When someone discloses experiencing sexual or domestic violence, your response is critical to their recovery and decisions about what to do next. Hone your skills as a tellable person with our new e-learning workshop - Responding with Compassion. This program offers compassionate and helpful ways to respond if a person discloses their experience of sexual, domestic or... family violence. ENROL TODAY: https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au//training-responding-wi Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Responding with Compassion (e-learning) is proudly funded by the Pinnacle Charitable Foundation.

01.01.2022 Adair Donaldson spoke to ABC News last night about child abuse and cruelty in Australian Gymnastics. An independent review of the sport is a positive step but it must dive deep to uncover the historical issues and bring about meaningful change.

01.01.2022 Consent is not sexy, its mandatory An incredible and important design by @emreadman - thank you so much for your generosity and committing all profits to be donated directly to our services. If you would like to purchase a consent patch and donate today, link is below ... https://consentpatches.bigcartel.com If you have been impacted by rape or sexual violence, it is not your fault. There are many ways for you to get the support you need. It doesnt matter how long ago it happened, we are here to help. Please call 1800 424 017 to speak to a counsellor 24/7.