Brisbane Domestic Violence Service | Community organisation

Brisbane Domestic Violence Service

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24.01.2022 Hey friends, just a reminder that you can stay up to date with important announcements, news and more by visiting our Facebook page. You dont have to like or follow us or engage with any of our posts if its not safe to. You can look us up in private/incognito mode to stay up to date and if you forget, clear your browsing history. Follow this link for more info on private browsing: https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/95464... If you need our support, call us on 3217 2544.

24.01.2022 The next Panel member at our upcoming Webinar who we are excited to introduce, is Vanessa Fowler from The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. In the webinar, Vanessa wants to help empower the community by sharing her personal lived experience as a bystander and how recognising red flags among loved ones can make a difference to DFV in our community. We are so excited to partner with Vanessa and Shaan from @matebystanderprogram to bring you a solutions-focused webinar for ending ...DFV in our community. RSVP at [email protected] and click 'going' on our FB event to receive important updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/381952936340310 If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

24.01.2022 INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Womens Police Stations are in countries around the world and QUT Professor Kerry Carrington has conducted research on the initiative with fascinating findings. Their close relationship and visibility in the community sends the message that violence against women will not be tolerated, that it is a crime and perpetrators will be held accountable."... Read more here: https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=146288 If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

23.01.2022 Leaving a DV relationship is courageous for so many reasons... one of which is that it can leave women in poverty. You can help by making a donation: www.givenow.com.au/micahprojectsgivethebasics... Thank you for your support If you're experiencing abuse in your relationship, call BDVS on 3217 2544

23.01.2022 DV Awareness & support is increasingly being recognised as a duty of employers. Following the murder of Cristina Magda-Calancea (pictured) in Norfolk, a homicide review panel said it was "disappointing" her employment agency had provided little information to staff about domestic abuse. "(Domestic violence) is likely to impact upon their absenteeism or productivity. Thus there is a financial imperative as well as a human imperative in so investing."... Read more: www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-55815959 If you need support for domestic violence, don't hesitate to call BDVS on 3217 2544.

23.01.2022 BDVS team members are specialists and have extensive knowledge and experience in the delivery of services, support and advocacy to people experiencing domestic and family violence. Whether you are thinking about staying, leaving, arent yet sure what you want to do, or worried about a family member or friend, we can help. Call BDVS anytime on 3217 2544 for a confidential discussion. ... If youd like to help the women and children we support here at BDVS, Dangerous Females have selected us and Lous Place to donate the proceeds of their merchandise sales to. Buy a super cool tee or tote and support an important cause : www.dangeousfemales.com.au Image description: Three BDVS team members laughing together while wearing their Dangerous Females shirts in black and pink.

23.01.2022 #Cyberabuse can sometimes be used in domestic & family violence situations to intimidate, threaten, harass, blackmail & even seriously harm a victim. Office of the eSafety Commissioner has a useful guide for responding to cyber abuse if it happens to you. Check out the image below or find out more at bit.ly/3qNQvoj... If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

23.01.2022 Migrant & refugee women experience additional barriers to accessing support for domestic violence, including coercive control which can be subtle & non-physical. "A lack of understanding of Australian law plays a significant role in keeping the victims quiet." Read more from Dr Sabrin Farooqui (pictured) here: bit.ly/3crgfTR... if you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

22.01.2022 The incredible team at LactalisAustralia have been supplying food for our Little Warriors Group! Our Children and Young Persons groups provide a social learning experience and form secure connection through a trauma informed, evidence-based, art and play program. For more information about our groups, visit our website: https://bdvs.org.au/services#children-and-young-people We are so grateful for the support of Lactalis in catering for our groups. Families have also expres...sed appreciation for the healthy and hearty meals, fruit and snacks supplied by Lactalis. Thank you If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Food for our Little Warriors Group on a kitchen table with a BDVS team member and two Lactalis staff.

20.01.2022 BDVS were honoured to attend the official launch of The RED HEART Campaign's Memorial to Women and Children Lost to Violence, hosted by Kay McGrath. Sherele Moody’s tireless work in creating this online memorial is SO evident and important. Go to theredheartcampaign.org to see the Memorial. We are in awe of what Sherele and the RED HEART Campaign has achieved. It was also so powerful and important to hear from so many speakers who have lost loved ones to violence, inclu...ding sisters, daughters, friends and grandchildren who are now honoured in The RED HEART Campaign’s online Memorial. . . . . . If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Dangerous Females Lifecycle Cycling Club - Brisbane See more

20.01.2022 Love this conversation starter for those awkward situations where people get in your personal space! Thanks Queensland Health If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

20.01.2022 There has been an increase in image-based abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing images without consent, also known as revenge porn, is a form of abuse. Its not uncommon for victim blaming and slut shaming to occur against a victim of revenge porn but it is NEVER their fault. We feel strongly about holding perpetrators of all tactics of abuse to account for their actions. Read more: https://www.smh.com.au//pandemic-drives-rise-in-revenge-po ... If you have are expeirencing abuse in your relationship (including revenge porn), we are here to support you. Call Brisbane Domestic Violence Service on 3217 2544 or visit our website for more info: www.bdvs.org.au Image description: Young woman seated outside looking at her phone.

19.01.2022 An article from the BBC talks about how violence during consensual sex has become normalised. Research from the UK has shown that more than one third of young women have experienced unwanted acts of slapping, choking, gagging and spitting during consensual sex. Read the article: www.bbc.com/news/uk-50546184... If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, we are here to support you. Call BDVS on 3217 2544 or visit our website for more info: www.bdvs.org.au Image description: Anna, a young woman who is featured in this article talks about her experiences of abuse during sex. Credit: BBC UK

19.01.2022 In case you missed it, the 2021 Australians of the Year are four incredible women who were recognised for their sexual assault & domestic violence advocacy, teaching & activism & work in period poverty. Sexual assault Advocate, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year #LetHerSpeak DV Advocate for the migrant & refugee community, Rosemary Kariuki was named Local Hero... Educator, artist and Aboriginal Activist, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann was named Senior Australian of the Year Miriam Rose Foundation South Australian, Isobel Marshall was named Young Australian of the Year for her work in ending period poverty TABOO Read more: ab.co/3qVDyc8 Image description: Isobel Marshall, Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, Grace Tame and Rosemary Kariuki at the 2021 Australian of the Year awards Credit: AAP | Mike Tsikas

19.01.2022 CONTENT WARNING - Sexual Assault . . . .... . . . . "Midway through their teenage years, young women enter a five-year danger zone when they are statistically more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other time in their lives, a study has found. At the same time, young men in the same age group aged 15-19 are more likely to be perpetrators." Read more: https://www.abc.net.au//sexual-assault-burden-car/12602284 Although these findings are shocking, findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes Survey found that, responses among young people (16-24) to some questions indicate some areas of poor knowledge, relatively high endorsement of violence-supportive views and a low level of support for gender equality. Read more: https://www.anrows.org.au/NCAS/2017/youth-report-findings/ Additionally, there is a misconception that rape and sexual assault is only perpetrated by opportunistic strangers but research shows us that sexual abuse is most commonly perpetrated by someone known to the victim. If you are experiencing sexual abuse in your relationship, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Young, brunette woman stands overlooking a lake with her back facing the camera. Credit: Getty Images

19.01.2022 We are excited to announce that our contemporary, dynamic and informative new website is live! Our new website has been a long time in the making but there has never been a more crucial time to have revised our website for ease of navigation and current information. We have designed it to be intuitive, with multiple entry points so that people experiencing domestic and family violence can access information in a logical and therefore timely manner.... We have also designed it to be informative for other services operating within the Brisbane Integrated Service System and beyond so that it is clear what BDVS do and how we can provide support to people experiencing domestic and family violence within the Brisbane region. Watch the teaser trailer of our new website below or better yet, check it out for yourself at www.bdvs.org.au If you need support for DFV, call us anytime on 3217 2544.

18.01.2022 A HUGE thank you to Shar Moore and her amazing team who made a donation of the most beautiful journals and empowering magazines to our Service last week. We are so excited to be able to provide women in crisis accommodation with a beautiful journal to practice mindfulness and get their thoughts out using pen and paper. YMag www.sharmoore.com.au/linkshub/ ... If you need support for domestic or family violence, call us on 3217 2544.

18.01.2022 Taskforce Sierra Alessa is a new initiative being trialled for two months by the Queensland Police Service Vulnerable Persons Units. Its aim is to reduce family and domestic violence by regularly checking up on repeat offenders, their partners and their children. If you would like to speak with a specialist about your situation, we are here to support you. Call Brisbane Domestic Violence Service on 3217 2544 or visit our website for more info: www.bdvs.org.au

17.01.2022 FREE UPCOMING WEBINAR - centring the voices of survivors in violence prevention with Nicole Lee, Fiona Hamilton and Jess Hill. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//regist/WN_vDKJ1jIQSCytdqC2TpHLyA If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

17.01.2022 Journalist and Author, Jess Hill who spent five years investigating domestic and family violence in Australia talks about some of her findings in this article. Some of what Jess found was that: It is a misconception that the Australian Family Law System is biased against fathers That mothers were staying in abusive relationships just to be able watch over their kids... That mothers were terrified of losing custody of their kids for applying to stop contact with an abusive father. Its no secret that the current system endangers women and children. This must change Read more: https://www.theguardian.com//i-believed-the-family-court-s If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544 or visit our website for more info: www.bdvs.org.au Image description: The Family Court of Australia Image credit: ABC News

17.01.2022 The Coronavirus pandemic has had disastrous impacts on women in Australia and around the world. "Women are experiencing a gender disaster of job losses and long-term financial insecurity and many will be scarred in the labour market unless economic recovery efforts are female focused," says Wendy Tuohy. Read more: https://www.theage.com.au//calls-for-female-focused-budget... If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Bel Tully, a retrenched hospitality worker is pictured staring at the camera, wearing a mustard coloured sweater and blue jeans holding hands in front. Credit: Joe Armao

16.01.2022 Did you know that 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we are working hard to support people in Brisbane affected by domestic and family violence You can call us on 3217 2544 if youre experiencing abuse or worried about someone you care about. Dangerous Females are donating the proceeds from the sales of their merchandise to BDVS and Lous Place! This money will go towards providing women and children engaged with BDVS with essential items including clothing, Go ...Cards, phone credit and groceries. Join the BDVS team in getting your Dangerous Female on! Grab your tee for an amazing cause at www.dangerousfemales.com.au Image description: BDVS team member seated at desk, typing on computer whilst wearing the black Dangerous Females tee.

16.01.2022 Last week, we finalised new arrangements with Brisbane North and South Vulnerable Persons and Domestic Violence Units that extend upon our partnership. We are excited to announce that the new arrangements have been implemented today and two of our Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Advocates have started to work out of Hendra and Inala Police Stations, alongside QPS Station staff and a VPU Officer. This 11 month innovative initiative is aimed at supporting people experi...encing domestic and family violence to receive a timely co-response, while connecting them to support services at the most critical times (through having advocates at police counters and attending domestic and family violence incidents). Feedback on the partnership over the past two years has been overwhelmingly positive Furthermore, data from this partnership has shown an increase in service uptake from people experiencing domestic and family violence and better coordinated responses around perpetrator accounatbility. The new arrangements will enable greater cross-pollination of knowledge and skills among QPS and BDVS in responding to domestic and family violence in the community. We are very excited to see more amazing outcomes come from our partnership with QPS and the North and South Brisbane VPUs. Image descriptions: Two images taken at the meeting last week to finalise new arrangements between Queensland Police Service and Brisbane Domestic Violence Service. QPS staff and BDVS staff are pictured social distancing. Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh is also pictured.

16.01.2022 Hi friends, R U Okay today? We know that people experiencing domestic and family are not okay, so this is a gentle reminder to check in with your loved ones, especially if you know that they are affected by DFV. If you would like to speak with a DFV Specialist, we are here to support you. Call Brisbane Domestic Violence Service on 3217 2544 or visit our website for more info: www.bdvs.org.au ... Image description: Four images of Micah Projects team members enjoying a morning tea from Hope Street Caf for R U OK Day.

16.01.2022 Queensland Police Service have recently launched an online form to report sexual assault. Sexual assault is an under-reported crime and commonly occurs in intimate partner relationships. We hope this online form opens up options for people who want to report sexual assault to police but do not want to attend a police station. See the Form here: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault... If you would like support, we are here to help. Call BDVS on 3217 2544 or visit our website for more info: www.bdvs.org.au

14.01.2022 We know that there has been a worldwide surge in domestic and family violence during the COVID-19 lockdown and that the pandemic has had disastrous economic effects on womens futures. However, millions of women and girls around the world have also lost access to contraceptives and abortion services because of the Coronavirus pandemic. This means additional unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com//millions-women-lose...-contracepti If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: A woman wearing a mask on public transport in a brown coat, staring out of the window. Image credit: The Conversation

14.01.2022 The amazing Hope Street Caf have a community pantry and fridge with free food items so if you need some pantry staples or fresh produce, stop by and take what you need. Were proud to be part of an organisation that looks out for the community, especially in these challenging times. Micah Projects Head to Hope Street Caf for more info...... If you need support for domestic or famiy violence, dont hesitate to call BDVS on 3217 2544.

13.01.2022 Sex Ed in Australia A survey conducted by year 12 student, Tasmin Griffiths found that sex ed classes were reported as being antiquated and out of date, not representing the LGBTQ+ community appropriately. Curtin University's, Jacqueline Hendriks said sex education should encompass a more holistic view of sex inclusive of pleasure, respect, intimacy, #relationships and #consent.... Read more: ab.co/3okKRZn If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Classroom of students facing their Teacher and a whiteboard Credit: Unsplash | Taylor Wilcox

13.01.2022 BDVS’ Belinda attended the ‘Paint the Bayside Orange Breakfast’ on Monday morning along with BDVS Resound Advocate, Jo who shared her lived experience at the annual event. The Breakfast had a fantastic turnout and everyone went orange for Orange The World, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence which begins this week! Thanks to all the organisers and sponsors who did such an amazing job for an important cause!... If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image descriptions: 1) Joan Pease MP, Jenny Peach from SCOPE Club of Wynnum (longtime supporters and fundraisers for BDVS - thank you) and Belinda from BDVS standing by each other’s side at ‘Paint the Bayside Orange Breakfast.’ 2) Joan Pease, Belinda from BDVS and BDVS Resound Advocate and Workhaven’s, Jo.

11.01.2022 Today marks the tenth annual Wear it Purple Day Wear it Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for young people. - www.wearitpurple.org And thats what were all about at BDVS #support #inclusivity #safety #empowerment ... Our staff were so excited to be involved in Wear it Purple Day 2020. Does it show? Well be here all weekend. Please call us anytime on 3217 2544 if youre experiencing domestic or family violence. Image description: Collage of BDVS team members wearing purple on Wear it Purple Day 2020. #wipd2020 #endDV

10.01.2022 National Domestic Violence Hotline have written an excellent piece on sexual pressure and coercion which you can read here: https://www.thehotline.org//pressure-and-persuasion-a-clo/ "Abuse is often centered on power and control in all aspects of the relationship, so its not uncommon that an abusive partner will try to force intimacy," the piece highlights. If you think you might be experiencing sexual pressure or coercion in your relationship, call us on 3217 2544 for a c...onfidential chat. Image description: Male and female silhouette holding hands.

10.01.2022 At BDVS, your safety is our priority. Please find a list of useful links about COVID-19 below. If weve missed anything, PM us and let us know. If you need support for domestic or family violence, call us on 3217 2544. Like and follow the QLD Health FB Page for the most up to date and accurate health info: https://www.facebook.com/QLDHealth/... Symptoms of COVID-19: https://www.qld.gov.au//symptoms-of-novel-coronavirus-covi Social and physical distancing: https://www.qld.gov.au//protect-yo/coronavirus-prevention Testing and Fever Clinic locations: https://www.qld.gov.au//stay-inf/testing-and-fever-clinics Translated COVID-19 info: https://www.qld.gov.au//support-and-r/translated-resources Specific information for you: COVID-19 info for First Nations peoples: https://www.qld.gov.au//information-for/first-nations/firs COVID-19 info for Parents & Children: https://www.qld.gov.au//information-f/parents-and-children COVID-19 info for Older People: https://www.qld.gov.au//information-for/older-queenslanders COVID-19 info for People with Disabilities and Carers: https://www.qld.gov.au///people-with-disability-and-carers COVID-19 info for Multicultural Communities: https://www.qld.gov.au//support-and-r/translated-resources Safety Planning, mental wellbeing and more: BDVS Safety Planning resource for COVID-19: https://bdvs.org.au//BDVS-fa/BDVS-Safety-Planning-Info.pdf Mental Wellbeing throughout COVID-19: https://www.qld.gov.au//coronav/keep-well/mental-wellbeing You and the people around you may be required to wear face masks at some public places but we understand what this can bring up for you. Read about Face Masks and Complex Trauma here: https://www.blueknot.org.au//Fact-Sheets/face-masks-and-co If you need support for domestic or family violence, call us on 3217 2544.

09.01.2022 ACON are looking for people from LGBTQ+ communities across Australia to join their community advisory group to assist in, and provide feedback on the design, execution and evaluation of an intimate partner and sexual violence primary prevention project. To express your interest, go to bit.ly/3qTzFVj If you have been experiencing abuse in your relationship, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

09.01.2022 Yesterday, BDVS and Micah Projects staff attended the first day of the Safe & Together Institutes CORE training. The Training is a skills-based training for DV-informed practice and is proven to lead to better outcomes for women and children, while supporting perpetrator accountability. The Model, originating in the US, has been implemented across the world, including in the UK and New Zealand. In October this year, the training will also be offered to Brisbane High Risk Tea...m members. If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: BDVS and Micah Projects team members seated around tables on the first day of the Safe & Together Training co-facilitated by a BDVS team member. Credit: BDVS

08.01.2022 REMINDER - FREE TAX HELP AVAILABLE Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained and accredited community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns online using myTax. Tax Help is available from July to October in all capital cities and many regional areas across Australia.... Find out more: https://www.ato.gov.au//lodging-your-ta/tax-help-program/ If you need support for domestic violence, call us on 3217 2544.

08.01.2022 Hi there If you are a professional who is interested in joining our team, visit our careers page for a list of vacancies: https://micahprojects.org.au/careers

07.01.2022 Buy your Christmas presents from Dangerous Females and know that they will make a difference in the lives of people experiencing domestic and family violence. Purchase here: www.dangerousfemales.com.au https://www.facebook.com/dangerousfemales/posts/724899614831564... If you need support for domestic or family violence, don't hesitate to call BDVS on 3217 2544. x

07.01.2022 "Before COVID-19, five women were reported missing in Peru every single day, but since the lockdown, that number has surged to eight a day." According to the independent body that monitors Perus human rights, the country has "long had a domestic violence problem." Peru is also one of the most COVID-19-affected Latin American nations. ... Read more here: https://www.aljazeera.com//hundreds-peru-women-girls-missi If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Passengers practice social distancing as they stand in line before entering the airport in Lima, Peru Credit: Sebastian Castaneda/Reuters

07.01.2022 On what should have been Hannah Clarkes 32nd birthday, family and friends gathered for the unveiling of Hannahs Place in Camp Hill. Four trees were planted to honour Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey. This is a beautiful memorial to four members of our community who will never be forgotten Councillor Fiona Cunningham said, "Its not only for Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey. Its for all victims of domestic and family violence."... If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Small Steps 4 Hannah

06.01.2022 In this article, adolescent family violence (AFV) survivor, Michelle* shares her experience of her 15 year old son using violent and controlling behaviours towards her, leaving her embarrassed, ashamed and physically injured: https://primer.com.au/domestic-violence-child-perpetrator/ I want people to know that it isnt about socioeconomic situation and this can happen to any parent, and it happens all the time, Michelle* said. Research shows that feelings of shame, disappoi...ntment and embarrassment are common for mothers who experience AFV. Furthermore, research also shows that adverse childhood events or trauma are a major contributor to the use of adolescent violence in the home. At Brisbane Domestic Violence Service, we recognise and acknowledge that mothers can feel shame about their adolescent childs abuse and that childhood trauma, including witnessing or experiencing abuse, can contribute to the young boys use of violence. This year, BDVS launched the Safer Families Initiative which works with mothers and siblings impacted by AFV as well as the young boys using power and control in the home. Call our Safer Families Initiative, Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM on 3013 6024. Alternatively, call our 24/7 main line on 3217 2544. Find out more about our Safer Families Initiative here: https://bdvs.org.au/services#achieving-safer-families Image description: Quote from Michelle* stating, When I first reported it, I felt embarrassed and Im still sometimes ashamed to talk about it. Credit: Michelle* and Primer.

06.01.2022 Got friends who arent on Facebook? Let them know to follow BDVS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDVS_au & Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bdvs_au/ The more reach we get on our social media, the greater awareness of our service there is and thats really important!... If you need support for DFV, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

05.01.2022 Domestic and family violence information in your language The Queensland government has a list of multi-language resources which provide information and contact details about where to get help for domestic and family violence (DFV), as well as information for family and friends. There is also information for people who use violence or abuse about how to get help: https://www.qld.gov.au//domestic-and-family-violence-resou Please share. ... If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

05.01.2022 Shoutout to our fearless leader who has gone to great lengths to keep our staff connected during COVID-19 and ensure our Service is accessible for the people in our community. Adapting to COVID-19 restrictions wasnt easy at the start... it involved a lot of planning, careful consideration and some awkward trial and error using technology For example, this pic is a throwback to one of our first whole of Service meetings during the COVID-19 restrictions. Our Leader br...ought staff working at other sites into a meeting via an iPad Mini connected to a Bluetooth speaker AND phoned other staff members in using a mobile phone situated on top of the iPad Minis keyboard. Times were tough and were still trying to improve the ways we bring all of our staff members together for important meetings but were grateful to be doing this important work during COVID-19. We will continue to stay open and answer your calls no matter what. We are here for all people experiencing domestic or family violence in the Brisbane region. Call us anytime on 3217 2544 x

05.01.2022 CONTENT WARNING - This article discusses violence against women, rape, murder and misogyny so please exercise caution in reading the article. . . . .... In this article, Zoe Williams interviews the Founder of The Everyday Sexism Project, Laura Bates. Bates explains that there is a live community of violent extremists, operating online without censure, generating terrorist attacks in which the perpetrators are very open about their guiding ideology of misogyny, and radicalising young boys. Bates also explains how "this extreme world of misogyny" is intertwined with white supremacy. Read more: https://www.theguardian.com//laura-bates-on-the-men-who-ha If you need support for domestic or family violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Picture of Laura Bates in a red blouse staring at the camera. Credit: Sarah Lee/The Guardian

04.01.2022 This article is really important. It conveys how proactive and brave Hannah was and how she deserves to be remembered in this way. It also highlights how supportive Hannah's family and friends were. The article is also important for awareness raising about what coercive control can look like. For Hannah, it included stalking, surveillance, monitoring, a joint Facebook account, being told what she could or could not wear and more. Hannah and her children experienced a patter...n of abuse, including a range of tactics, over an extended period of time. The article also highlights how image management means that a person using abuse can appear to the outside world as a devoted father or husband and this is why we MUST believe people when they disclose abuse. The article is also an important reminder about how leaving is one of the most dangerous times for someone experiencing domestic violence, so leaving is rarely a simple solution that puts an end to all abuse - "Baxter’s behaviour became more erratic after Hannah’s escape," the article highlights. Read the full story here: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au//intimate-terrorism-why-t If you think you might be experiencing coercive control in your relationship, call BDVS on 3217 2544 for a confidential discussion. Image description: Hannah with her children, Laianah, Trey and Aaliyah. Credit: Hannah's family and friends

04.01.2022 Former Chief Justice of the Family Court, Alistair Nicholson has called for coercive control to be criminalised across Australia. Nicholson said, "criminalisation (of coercive control) would allow police to look beyond a single event to a pattern of behaviour." Domestic violence usually occurs as a pattern so understanding and recognising this is key to supporting victim/survivors and perpetrator accountability. ... Read more: https://www.smh.com.au//ex-family-court-chief-wants-coerci If you need support for domestic violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544. Image description: Former Chief Justice of the Family Court Alistair Nicholson pictured. Credit: Penny Bradfield

03.01.2022 REPOST from UN Women The phrase Boys will be Boys is often used as an excuse for inappropriate, damaging and abusive behaviours by boys who will grow into men that continue to think their behaviour is excusable. At BDVS, were all about accountability and no excuses for abuse. ... See original post here: https://www.facebook.com//a.1015021104/10157487319471905/ Image description: Boys will be boys is scribbled out to read, Boys will be held accountable Credit: UN Women

02.01.2022 Extremely disappointing news to hear that Neil Punchard has had his conviction overturned. As a Queensland Police Officer, Punchard hacked a confidential computer system to obtain the address of his friends ex-wife. He provided this address to his friend and consequently, his friends ex-wife and children had to go into hiding. With more than one woman a week murdered due to domestic and family violence in Australia, it is infuriating that Punchard wont have a conviction r...ecorded for his dangerous actions and collusion. This decision is minimising of her and her childrens experiences as well as all womens experiences with domestic and family violence. Read more here: https://www.theguardian.com//queensland-police-officer-who We are here for you if you are experiencing abuse in your relationship. We are a 24/7 confidential service for all people in the Brisbane region. Call us anytime on 3217 2544. Image description: Screenshot of The Guardian Article about Neil Punchards conviction being overturned. Credit: The Guardian

02.01.2022 "Domestic violence perpetrators could be jailed for up to 10 years under proposed new coercive control laws set to be introduced to New South Wales Parliament next week." Read more: https://www.abc.net.au//-drum-nsw-coercive-contro/12662614 Or watch the video below to find out more about what coercive control is and what laws would mean for perpetrators.... If you need support for domestic violence, call BDVS on 3217 2544.

02.01.2022 Monday afternoon reminder No is a complete sentence. It does not require justification or explanation. Another reminder that were here all week for you if youre needing support. Call us on 3217 2544.

02.01.2022 Important weekend reminder Tag a mate you care about If you need support for DFV, call BDVS on 3217 2544.... Image description: "Things we need to normaise for men: asking for help, being feminine, going to therapy, encouraging them to talk, seeking help for mental health, crying or showing emotions" Credit: @TheMind_Doc

01.01.2022 A new report from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner called Protecting voices at risk online focuses on priority populations and outlines how to support, protect and build the capacity of those most at risk of online harm. The report highlights how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are: twice as likely to experience image based-abuse as non-Indigenous Australians... experience family violence at much higher rates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are hospitalised for family violence at 32 times the rate of non-Indigenous Australians. Read the report here: https://www.esafety.gov.au//Protecting%20voices%20at%20ris If you need support for domestic or family violence, BDVS can help. Call us anytime on 3217 2544. Credit: eSafety Commissioner