Forum brings domestic violence out of the shadows

Last published on 12 Nov 2019 

Preventing domestic violence is set to be the focus of a forum for multicultural students at the Loftus TAFE NSW campus on Thursday.

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman, acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee and Heathcote MP Lee Evans said the Relationship Support Services Forum is an opportunity to learn about domestic and family violence and the support that’s available.

Mr Speakman said domestic violence victim-survivors can often feel overwhelmed when they take the courageous step to seek help.

“Reporting to police, attending court, seeking shelter, caring for children, all while recovering from trauma, can be challenging for victim-survivors, to say the least,” Mr Speakman said.

“This forum aims to alleviate some of these pressures by offering valuable workshops to discuss domestic violence, the role of the NSW Police, Legal Aid and court support services.”

About 150 students from the Middle East, Africa and Asia are expected to attend the forum.

Mr Evans said the Government wants to connect the community with local service providers that are able to advise people from different backgrounds about where to turn for help.

“There are culturally sensitive support services in southern Sydney that deal with issues such as domestic violence, relationship conflict and immigration concerns,” Mr Evans said.

The NSW Government is making a record $431 million investment over four years to address domestic and family violence and hold perpetrators to account through improved support for victims and tougher penalties for offenders.

Dr Lee said migrants and refugees can be particularly vulnerable when it comes to domestic violence because of the pressures they face when moving to a new country including language barriers and feelings of isolation.

“We want them to feel settled and secure and most importantly supported in the knowledge that help is at hand, if they need it,” Dr Lee said.

The Diversity Services Unit of the NSW Department of Communities & Justice, NSW Police, Gymea Community Aid and Information Service and TAFE NSW are all involved in the forum. The event is being held from 10am to 2pm on Thursday (14 November). For more information email delilah.shinko@justice.nsw.gov.au or TAFEServicesSouthSydney@tafensw.edu.au.

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