BY SAMANTHA COOPER
My trauma won’t be her trauma.
Domestic and family violence (DFV) is now one of the leading causes of death in women aged between 18 and 40.
The stats can feel like we are reducing the lives of women- mothers, daughters, Aunties and friends, to mere numbers; however, the numbers tell an important story. 1 in 4 women you know will be abused. 1 woman a week is killed by her partner or someone she knows. DFV is a leading cause of homelessness for women with children.
Beyond DV is running programs for mothers and daughters using lived experience of survivors to tell their experiences with intimate partner violence, educate young women on the signs of domestic violence, the power and control wheel, and recognising red and green flags in young relationships, as well as educating mothers on how to have the hard conversations if you suspect your daughter may be experiencing violence.
Panellists include Sue Clarke, mother of the late Hannah Clarke who shares her story about he relationship with her daughter and her struggles to get her to safety, Samantha Cooper, whose story went national after she was abused by a former CEO of an antibullying charity, the DV Connect helpline and representatives from the Queensland Police Vulnerable Persons Unit.
This column will facilitate difficult conversations about domestic violence in Australian society including first hand accounts, how and where to get help, and links to upcoming events.
Watch this space!
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/beyonddvaustralia/
My name is Samantha Cooper, I am a very proud Gumbaynggirr woman currently writing on Yuggera and Turrbal country. I’d like to acknowledge elders past, present and emerging.