White Ribbon in the Shoalhaven

Base personnel took part in a White Ribbon Day event and they heard the horrendous Shoalhaven domestic violence statistics and about the need for everyone to help protect those at risk.

Manager of SAHSSI (Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra) Lesley Labka spoke at the function and said everyone needs to help stop domestic violence.

“It (domestic violence) should not be a hidden, a private or a shameful issue and I think family and domestic violence is everybody’s business,” Ms Labka said.

She said domestic violence comes in many savages forms - not just deaths.

“In my line of business I see the damage that is done by partners and carers who traumatise their loved one through constant criticism,” she said.

The abuse can be name calling, threats/intimidation, taking away a woman’s freedom to see their friends or go to work, not being able to attend social functions or being able to access money.

“I see women and children who are so cowed and so afraid that have such a lack of confidence that they are not able to seek help,” Ms Labka said.

She said children are traumatised, have their lives interrupted and have to change schools.

Domestic violence is a huge problem in the Shoalhaven.

“Shoalhaven has a higher than the state average of domestic violence incidences. Last year the crime statistics tell us we had 387 incidents of domestic assaults, 95 were sexual assaults and there was also a horrendous 504 incidents of stalking and intimidation,” she said.

She said many attacks don't get reported.

“We know this is only the tip of the iceberg and these are only the women who reported to the police,” she said.

“There was a far larger number of domestic violence assaults in the Shoalhaven - it's a much bigger problem than drug use.”

She said 62.5 per cent of domestic violence assaults in the Shoalhaven were non-alcohol or drug related.

Ms Labka explained what SAHSSI did to help women in the Shoalhaven.

They provide all sorts of support which includes getting people food, toiletries and accommodation and Ms Labka said their services were alway full.

Staff from the South Coast Correctional Centre also spoke at the event.

Inmates at the centre are made to be accountable for their actions and the aim is for them to not re-offend.

Executive Manager of Committees and Community Development at White Ribbon Australia, Liam Dooley, was another guest.

Since his association with White Ribbon commenced some time ago Mr Dooley said he realised the role men can play in preventing violence towards women.

“One thing we have heard for some time is that men need to stand up because they have not been part of this conversation for years, decades and centuries - it has been women trying to stop domestic violence,” Mr Dooley said.

He said many man wanted to do something to prevent violence towards women but did not know how which is why they introduced the Stop Kit.

Mr Dooley said White Ribbon is now becoming a well known identity which pleased him.

Special mention, at the function, deservingly went  to Lieutenant Peter Kenworthy for organising the event and taking a strong leadership role.

After the meeting Lt Kenworthy led the White Ribbon oath, which was held outside near 52 silhouettes of women, representing the women who die each year from domestic abuse.

People in need of help can call 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732.

Names have been changed and the case is an old one.

Anna arrived at the local 24 hour domestic violence support service seeking help.

She had experienced severe domestic violence.

The last day at their family home she was threatened with weapons and physically assaulted.

She tried to leave with her children but her husband got into the car and removed two of the younger children.

She was told if she left she would not get the children back.

Anna could not get the two children back and fled with only one child.

She came into crisis accommodation, which has security, but was bombarded with threats.

Legal proceedings were started so Anna could get her children back.

Many women return to their partner in these sorts of situations because the risk of losing children is too high.

Anna stood her ground and many groups helped her hold her ground.

Due to stress and fears for her safety Anna could not complete her studies.

It can take up to four to eight weeks to get a recovery order through the family court.

Anna continued to look for private rentals and got counselling for herself and her child.

Her husband continued his campaign of threats.

Anna’s two children were eventually returned to her and they are doing well.

Personnel at HMAS Albatross marked White Ribbon Day with a range of events to highlight their support for defence's commitment to the White Ribbon Campaign - the world's largest male-led movement to end violence against women.

White Ribbon's primary prevention initiative aims to stop violence before it occurs, through education, awareness raising and by challenging ingrained attitudes and power inequalities that give rise to men's violence against women.

Advocating social change, the initiative highlights the positive role men can play to stop domestic violence. White Ribbon Australia seeks an Australian society in which all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.

Events at Albatross included a Spin-a-thon in the gym, a morning tea with guest speakers and a ship's company photograph.

Personnel gathered on the Quarterdeck to show their support for the White Ribbon cause, and their especially made White Ribbon patches.