Whole-of-community approach is needed to prevent domestic violence, expert says

Centacare’s Megan Hughes wants to find better ways of preventing domestic violence in the Murraylands – and she wants your help.

She’s circulating a survey which asks local business people, community leaders, parents and volunteers about their understanding of the issue, and what should be done about it.

Is domestic violence only physical, or does it include shaming, gaslighting and coercion?

What would help: more women in leadership, more men as primary carers for children – or what about banning perpetrators from playing sport?

Ms Hughes believed preventing violence was a job for everyone, not just specialist service providers.

“We want to work closely with local communities to identify opportunities to introduce or amplify existing mechanisms by which they can … reinforce the work of domestic violence service providers in their regions,” she said.

“There are opportunities for sporting clubs, businesses, community organisations and local government to play an important part in responses, especially in relation to primary prevention.’’

Survey responses are due on February 15.

• Complete the survey: survey.alchemer.com.
• Get help: Visit the Haven at Murray Bridge Community Centre between 9am and 4pm on weekdays, or the DVINA Centre on Standen Street, Murray Bridge between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday; call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098, or Murray Mallee Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service on 8215 6320; or, in an emergency, dial 000.
• More information: centacare.org.au/new-primary-prevention-focus-for-regional-communities.

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