A SUPPORT group is calling on survivors of family violence to help break the cycle of abuse among families in the north-west.
Djerriwarrh Health Services’ Break the Cycle program supports people who have experienced the trauma of family violence.
The program, based at Caroline Springs and Melton, trains survivors of abuse to mentor others.
According to Victoria Police’s most recent statistics, 442 family violence assaults were recorded in Melton from October 2011 to last September — up from 293 the previous year.
Melton resident Madeleine (not her real name) told the Weekly her violence wasn’t in the form of physical abuse.
She said everything about herself, including her finances and emotional well-being, was controlled by her husband of 20 years.
For six years she endured a living nightmare of emotional and psychological abuse as her husband spent their life savings on his gambling addiction. “A lot of people asked me why I didn’t leave earlier. But the truth is, I believed somehow that I had enough love to turn it around, and that’s the case with so many women.”
To support other women who live in fear of family violence, Madeleine decided to volunteer for the program. As a mentor, she acts as a role model and confidant. “I go along to court cases and meetings, and am available at any time for phone support,” she says. “Our hope is that women will gain the confidence and knowledge to move out on their own. We want women to know there is help in their area and to make them feel they can always come back to the network if they need support.”
Information sessions will be held on February 7 from 9.30am-12.30pm and February 12 from 9.30am-12.30pm at the Caroline Springs Community Health Centre, level 1, 13-15 Lake Street. More details: 9361 9305
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 1800 015 188
