Domestic Violence Should Be Taken Seriously

I was a victim of domestic violence as a child. My sister & I used to sleep in a neighbours car. Mum used to cover up bruises with makeup. We were trapped with nowhere safe to go where dad wouldn’t find us.
Women need to feel safe. As a child it colours your whole life

People close to me have been victims of DV

There is no reason women should feel so deeply unsafe in almost all aspects of their live while not always at the forefront of front of my thoughts their is a constant awareness of what could happen. The lack of protection women are afforded is abysmal. And the lack of support women receive after experiencing any form of abuse is terrible. We could be and should be doing so much better. If you’re reading this remember that not only is law reform important but also social reform be loud when speaking out. Think critically don’t discard the issue as something you have no influence over.

I’ve unfortunately seen first hand the lack of support for women and kids going through coercive control and lack of seriousness from authorities
- we need people to be believed and protected!

Yes absolutely 💯

What we have now is not working. We have to do better. There is no deterrent for these vile offenders. I've seen the damage first hand with my wife's ex-husband. We have to get serious and it has to stop.

Thank you for sharing your story Rhiannon and bringing light to the dark truth for many women in Australia.

The reason I believe that domestic and family violence should be treated as very serious crimes is precisely because EVERYBODY has the inalienable basic human right to feel safe in one's own home. Likewise, if too many good people are wrongly treated as criminals or otherwise denied justice for too long while too many criminals are allowed to remain free as though they were innocent or otherwise dealt with too lightly by the justice system, then wouldn’t this clear injustice make truly genuine people who want to make a positive difference in society want to give up while already confused and disillusioned people are tempted to start a life of crime using “survival” as a lame excuse?

You don’t realise until you’re in it, and you’re reliant upon the system ‘designed to protect’, just how little protection it currently provides for victims. Not just a lack of protection; but increased vulnerability. Do better, Australia.

I grew up with a controlling dictatorial father. There was nowhere to turn, especially during tghec1950s - 60s. It's time things changed.