Deputy Premier and Member for Marrickville, Carmel Tebbutt,
said the grant money will be used to produce a DVD to educate victims of
domestic violence about the police and court process.
“To be shared with other community support agencies, the DVD
aims to enhance confidence in the legal process and reduce potential stress and
anxiety for women dealing with domestic violence and the police and court
process, as well as support mechanisms and services available for victims,” Ms
Tebbutt said.
Jane, not her real name for legal reasons, has suffered from
the effects of domestic violence for the past 25 years. “This could seem like
good news but it’s nowhere near enough when it comes to helping victims of
domestic violence,” she said.
Jane said the current system for victims was inherently
flawed because it was vulnerable to bully perpetrators of violence. From her
experience, she suggested police should carry DV referrals which they can
supply to victims.
“I didn’t know there were places I could go, like refuges.
The very first time I saw someone, she said I didn’t have to be putting up with
the abuse I was getting at home, but I didn’t know this. The police didn’t even
tell me I could renew my violence order on my husband.”
“Let’s not accept that there’ll be a future of individuals
terrified of facing the very system that is supposed to protect them, when they
have already been terrified at the hands of someone else more powerful than
them in their own homes,” Jane said.
Source:
South Sydney Herald October 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au