Hello members

I hope you are keep well during these times.

Given things are sombre for many at the moment, I want to use this as an opportunity to focus on the collaboration I’ve witnessed over the past six months amongst our sector and community to see the end of family violence.

I firstly want to acknowledge the work of No to Violence members, as well as colleagues across the broader sector including Muslim Women’s Centre, Western Health, DV Vic, Safe Steps, In Touch, VACCA, Djirra, CFECFW, the Royal Children’s Hospital amongst many organisations that have been advocating for women’s safety during this period.

This work is ever more prescient during the hard lockdown of the housing towers earlier in July and will continue to be essential.

During July we have also welcomed (or re-welcomed) some new leaders within the sector, including:

• CEO of DVRVC and DV VIC, Tania Farha.
• Executive Director of White Ribbon, Brett Chilcott.

I have met recently with both of Tania and Brett to welcome them, and really look forward to working with them into the future. As cliché as it sounds, it is only together that we can achieve our goal as a sector of ending family violence.

On a more individual note, and in keeping with the theme of focusing on some positive things during a difficult time, I want to share a story of a colleague (who was new to the sector) told me the other day.

They had met a man who they talked to who was a user family violence went to prison. During his time there, some pretty horrible things happened which led him to a point of reflection.

The man reflected on his past and how that had impacted his former partner, his children, his family. Upon leaving prison, we went through a Men’s Behaviour Change Program and is now in a place where he is reunited with his children, has a much more positive outlook and holds himself accountable for his actions, is employed and engaged in his community.

Although we know there are still risks, that the path of non-violence is a lifelong process, a story like this keeps our sector moving forward.

In the men’s family violence sector, we hear stories like this often. These are the stories that demonstrate the value of our work and even though it’s tough, we are changing some lives for the better and creating a safer Australia. These are the stories than keep me going during these dark times. 

Life membership nominations

Awarding life membership is a great opportunity to acknowledge the success and positivity someone has generated across our sector, in what has been a difficult year.

No to Violence is currently in preparations for a late October event (further details are to be provided shortly).

Every year, No to Violence awards Life Membership to a member of our professional community to acknowledge the contribution they make to making community across Australia safer, and advancing the work and practice of working with men who use violence.

To reflect No to Violence’s gender equity values, each year alternates between a female and male recipient. This year we are looking for nominations to recognise one of the many amazing female leaders across our sector. The nomination form is here.

Applications must be received by 5:00pm AEST on Wednesday 14 October 2020, and submitted to Membership@ntv.org.au.

Jacqui