Observers of domestic violence are being encouraged to speak out during Child Protection Week, which starts on Monday.
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Child Protection Counsellor at Inverell Community Health, Michelle Williams said the impacts of domestic violence are felt not only by the victims but also their families, friends and the wider community.
“Domestic or family violence can be very damaging to children in particular.
“Those who have been exposed whether directly or indirectly experience anger, sadness, guilt, confusion, helplessness and despair, effects that can last a lifetime.
“Children often display social, emotional, developmental and behavioural consequences and require a great deal of support,” Ms Williams said.
Ms Williams is encouraging bystanders, which is anyone who observes violence, to act.
“Violence in our communities is everyone’s responsibility and in fact you may be the one person who can make a big difference in someone’s or many people’s lives by speaking out.”
Ms Williams says anyone wanting to further engage in the discussion around domestic violence is encouraged to attend a monthly anti-violence meeting in Inverell.
“Every month we’re going to discuss a scenario and encourage people to have a think about the way they would react in that particular situation,” she said.
“This month we’re posing the question: ‘You are going for a walk and you hear yelling and screaming coming from a nearby house. A child is running around the front yard holding his ears and crying. What do you do?’”
The next meeting will be held on September 26 at 1pm at the Benevolent Society, 63-65 Vivian Street, Inverell.
Inverell Community Health, together with other service providers, is also supporting Child Protection Week by manning a stall in from of Best & Less on Byron Street, Inverell on Tuesday September 3 from 9am to 4pm..
Free resource bags will be available to parents and children with information on local support services and programs, as well as general information on protecting children from violence. There is also a colouring-in competition with a mystery prize for the children.
Organizations assisting with the stall include; Community Health, IFYSS,
Benevolent Society, FACS, TIGYSS, Family Referral Service & the Police.
The Inverell Public Library will also have a display for the entire month of September with brochures and material for anybody seeking information about help for victims of domestic violence.
