Violence is unacceptable in any culture

Transcription

1 Violence is unacceptable in any culture The power of change is in our hands

2 Who is this booklet for? This booklet is written for women from the Indian subcontinent who are applying for intervention orders at the Sunshine Magistrates Court. It was developed by a group of women from the Indian community in consultation with Indian community leaders and support agencies. We hope to help prepare you for this process and provide connections to culturally sensitive support.

3 What s happening to you? Is the violence physical? Social? Sexual? Financial? Spiritual? Emotional? Stalking? These are all types of family violence. They are against the law in Victoria. You have the right to live free from violence. An intervention order can provide protection to you and your children. You can request that the order allows you and your partner to continue living together but with conditions such as no violence, no drinking or sleeping in separate rooms. Or you can request that he live somewhere else (you have the right to continue living in your house). If he breaks any of the conditions in the order, he is committing a serious crime and you can ask the police to remove him. You can access legal advice to assist you to decide what you need to increase your safety. A list of services is provided in this brochure.

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5 I didn t think I could do it, but now I m safe and I am rebuilding my life His family said it was okay. My family thought I should tolerate it. But my gut said get out. I did and now I have my life back. I got help from services and now I help other women escape from the cycle of violence. Survivor of family violence

6 Under the law, you have these rights: The right to live free from violence and to be safe from harm, including mental and physical harm (your children have this right too). The right to make your own decisions. The right to get free legal advice to help you make decisions. (You have this right even if the police apply for an intervention order on your behalf.) The right to be treated with respect and dignity. The right to be safe at court, and to be treated with respect by court staff, lawyers and the Magistrate. The right to tell your story and be heard by the court. The right to an interpreter if this would help you understand and participate in the court process. (Tell the court or service which language you need.)

7 Some things to be aware of When a woman applies for an intervention order, some violent men might use controlling or manipulative tactics to try to get her back. Some common tactics include: Bribing by offering money or goods Helplessness I can t live without you! Threats to hurt you or children Or a combination of all of these Violent men might also try to isolate you from family and friends, cut off your access to money, insult you, try to turn your children against you or hold onto your dowry property. Help is available if this is happening to you.

8 Support is available. Services for women from any background If you are in immediate danger, contact police on triple zero (000). Footscray and Keilor Downs police stations have dedicated Family Violence Liaison Officers. 66 Hyde St, Footscray Copernicus Way, Keilor Downs Women s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria is a 24-hour, seven days a week, confidential service which provides information, support and access to safe accommodation for women and their children or free call , wdvcs@wdvcs.org.au Women s Health West provides support for women and children experiencing family violence, including housing and court support needs: Barkly St, Footscray Victims of Crime Helpline provides information, advice and referrals to assist victims to recover from the effects of crime, including family violence: (8am to 11pm weekdays)

9 The Family Violence Applicant Support Worker at Sunshine Magistrates Court can help you apply for an intervention order and refer you to support services: Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre: A female lawyer can provide free legal advice. Level 1, 358 Main Road West, St Albans (St Albans) or (Melton) Women s Legal Service provides women with legal assistance regarding relationship breakdown and violence against women: or Women s Housing Limited provides a referral service, transitional housing and assistance with public housing applications: 12 Paisley Street, Footscray, International Student Care Service provides free and confidential support to international students: 599 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne (24-hours)

10 Services especially for women from the subcontinent Translating and Interpreting Service can provide an interpreter in your language: An Indian worker at InTouch (Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence) can provide culturally sensitive relationship and family violence support in your language: or free call Australia India Welfare and Cultural Society provides emergency relief and support for Indian women experiencing family violence. Contact: Kangna Sisters Indian Women s Support Network, a women s organisation offering support and social connections to isolated women from the subcontinent in Brimbank and Darebin. For more information, contact kangnasisters@gmail.com or see

11 Indian Women s Support Group meets to provide support for women experiencing relationship difficulties. To find out more, see Dr Manjula O Connor is an Indian psychiatrist who can provide culturally sensitive counselling to women recovering from family violence. You can her directly for an appointment: manjulao@ unimelb.edu.au (No charge Medicare rebates available, located in Melbourne CBD)

12 Abusers control, manipulate and make you feel you are the one with the problem. You are not to blame. This resource was produced by a group of Indian women participating in Women s Health West s Our Community Our Rights program. For more information about the project, please contact the Health Promotion team on or info@whwest.org.au 2014