By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
A GROUP of dedicated Healesville locals are trialling a brand new national framework and working towards reducing family violence.
The Healesville ‘Change the Story’ group meets once a month and uses a newly launched national framework to change the narrative and behaviours that cause violence in families.
The group is facilitated by the Rotary Club of Healesville with representatives from groups such as Eastern Health, Eastern Community Legal Centre and the Liberty Family Church.
The ‘change the story’ framework is an initiative of OurWatch, VicHealth and Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety.
The first of its kind in the world, the framework brings together the latest international evidence on what drives violence against women, and what works to prevent it.
Josette O’Donnell, health promotion officer for Eastern Health, said a service like this was great for the Healesville area.
“Healesville is a key area for violence against women,” she said.
“We are passionate about empowering families and women work to change behaviour.”
This short clip illustrates how powerful stories of disrespect can be over a lifetime:
Sam Smethurst from Eastern Community Legal Centre said the group is about working closely with affected members of the community to drive change where it is needed most.
“We are working to improve responses and change things up within the system,” she said.
“This is a community partnership moving into the long term that is about more than just information but about what we can do as service providers to make a difference in the community.”
Healesville Rotary Club president Lesley Plumpton said the group was working very hard to bring about the change needed to end violence against women.
“We are committed to heaping and supporting victims of family violence,” she said.
The group uses many support mechanisms such as forums, meetings and training sessions to empower the community to better understand violence and how to change the causes.
To find out more about the Healesville ‘Change the Story’ group, please call Lesley Plumpton on 5962 6403.
If you or someone you know are affected by the themes in this story and want to seek assistance, contact 1800 Respect – 1800 737 732 – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service.
