AS DOMESTIC violence-related deaths continue to make headlines around the country, a local victim has spoken out about her experience and her frustrations with the system.
The woman, who wished only to be known as Kylie, was recently forced to relocate from the home she owns with her three young children after receiving news her abusive ex-partner was being released from prison.
Authorities advised the family to move out as they had “grave fears” for their safety.
“It’s really frustrating,” Kylie said.
“While I know that my children’s safety is paramount, I was forced to leave my own home heavily pregnant and live with family several hours away.
“My children missed school and I ended up in labour and was completely unprepared when the baby came along. We had left with little more than the clothes on our back.”
Kylie’s frustration is mostly with the perpetrators and the court system.
“If the police feel things are bad enough to take an intervention order on a victim’s behalf and a perpetrator has a long history of violence, why are they being released?”
In the aftermath of the assault, Kylie is now involved with Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protection Unit and is undergoing counselling and intensive support.
“While the support for me is great, I’m not the problem. In a time where I should be focusing on my newborn baby and enjoying this special phase of my life, I am attending court, counselling and regular contact with DHS,” she said.
Last week the Federal Government announced $100 million to try and combat the country’s scourge of domestic violence in the form of training, better access, mobile phones for victims and bold initiatives including GPS devices for perpetrators.
Member for Mallee Andrew Broad has thrown his full support behind the move, and welcomed further news that Mildura is one of the areas chosen to trial a specialised domestic violence unit.
“Our region, sadly, is a family violence hotspot and I think it’s crucial that we develop a dedicated domestic violence service and that we ensure we have highly trained frontline staff who can respond appropriately to women and children who are at risk,” Mr. Broad said.
For more on this powerful story, pick up Wednesday’s Guardian (September 30).
