Spotlighting family violence

AIMING to garner awareness around family violence, Jewish Care Victoria has launched a series of new videos coinciding with the festival of Tu b’Av earlier this week.

Building on the success of its 2019 “Love Should Be Sweet” poster campaign, the animated series continues to capture the theme of “love bombing” – showering a person with excessive affection – that often occurs in the early stages of abusive relationships or after an episode of violence.

Last year’s posters have also been updated to be translated into Russian, Hebrew, and to include details about support for members of the LGBTQI+ community.

And it’s a message that is particularly timely.

“It is well-established that family violence increases in times of crisis, and the ability to recognise the signs – especially the more subtle or less visible types of abuse, like social or financial abuse – is incredibly important,” said Jewish Care’s program manager of Healthy Communities, Cassandra Barrett.

Just last month, survey findings released by the Australian Institute of Criminology revealed that more than half the women who had experienced coercive control before the COVID-19 pandemic reported an escalation of emotionally abusive, harassing or controlling behaviours.

“Family violence is … very different to an argument or disagreement. It’s important that we are able to distinguish between the typical stress and conflict that occurs within healthy relationships, and signs of violence and abuse – which are never okay,” emphasised Barrett.

But Barrett also shared that as we enter stage four of lockdown restrictions and continue to grapple with the ongoing stress of the coronavirus pandemic, many non-violent relationships are feeling the strain. 

“Lack of space, working from home, remote learning, financial worries – all of these factors can put stress on even the happiest of relationships, resulting in resentment or disharmony,” she said.

For couples who have hit hard times, Barrett suggests creating safe and respectful spaces to discuss issues openly; taking an honest look at the household load to ensure both partners feel valued for what they contribute; and, finding opportunities to connect over enjoyable activities or date nights in – and conversely to disconnect, allowing each other some space alone to de-stress.

“And be kind to each other. Assume the best of your partner. Remember that it’s a really challenging time – take things day by day.”

If you are in immediate danger from family violence, call 000. For additional support call Jewish Care on (03) 8517 5999.

To order posters for your community group, or for more information about Jewish Care’s Family Violence Resource Program, contact cbarrett@jewishcare.org.au.