Workshop promotes grassroots approach to tackling domestic violence

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Cumberland Council is organising a workshop called Recognising and Responding Appropriately to Domestic Violence in CALD communities, to empower community leaders to play an active role in responding to domestic and family violence within their communities.

This workshop is part of a broader Council program which includes workshops called Cultural Conversations, to support grassroots initiatives to stop domestic violence and brings together culturally and linguistically diverse community leaders, NSW police and Council staff.

The Recognising and Responding to Domestic Violence workshop will equip community leaders to run capacity building workshops within their own communities, to eradicate family and domestic violence.

Community leader and Cultural Conversations volunteer Viji Dhayanathan, who also runs a drop in service for South Asian women in Harris Park called “Chat and Chai”,  has seen firsthand the positive difference the program can make in.

“People experiencing domestic or family violence will only open up to people they trust. So it’s important for people in the community to have training so they know what to do,” Ms Dhayanathan said.  

“Domestic and family violence is a community issue and it is important issue for the entire community to work together to solve. This training will enable community members to recognise signs of domestic violence and give them the skills to help and refer to appropriate support services”.

Ms Dhayanathan, credits the program for making her a more effective advocate against domestic violence in her community.

Mayor Greg Cummings welcomed the workshop. “The challenge of domestic and family violence is universal. It happens across communities, ages, cultures and sexes,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.

“The statistics are disturbing and unacceptable. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime[1]. While domestic and family violence is widespread, it is never acceptable.

“As a Council we are committed to building a community where all our residents are safe, all of the time. In this vision, there is no room for domestic and family violence.”

For anyone needing support please phone the 24 hour DV Hotline on 1800 65 64 63, 1800RESPECT for sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling – 1800 737 732. For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14.If you are in danger, please call the Police – 000.

To find out more information about this training please contact 8757 9359.