By Jim Mynard
CASEY director of community services Jennie Lee has warned that family violence had a significant impact on children, with many victims experiencing trauma, withdrawal, depression and anxiety, or reacting with aggression.
Ms Lee was speaking after a family violence forum hosted by the City of Casey in partnership with the Shire of Cardinia and Victoria Police.
Ms Lee said there was also a growing trend of parents seeking assistance because of young people were becoming violent towards them.
She said women with disabilities were more likely to be in a violent relationship and were more vulnerable.
“Elderly parents can also be subjected to violence by carers in the home,” she said.
Ms Lee said aggressive behaviour was often a copy of violent behaviour that had been witnessed in role models and was the major cause of death for women in the 15 to 44 age group.
The forum, attended by 200 people, was established to help give people the confidence to report or seek help in the event of violence and to better understand family violence.
It showcased services available to assist victims of family violence and aimed to raise awareness and understanding of a significant issue that affects one in five families.
Ms Lee said no community was immune from family violence.
“While family violence affects people from all cultural, social and economic backgrounds, for women, it is the leading cause of death, disability and illness for those aged 15 to 44 years”, said Ms Lee.
“This frightening fact means that all levels of government, industry workers and people must work together to address what has become a significant health issue and cost to Australian society.
Ms Lee said there was a strong network to support victims of family violence and people should be encouraged to seek help.
“If someone is in fear of their safety they should call the police.
“The police can link them to other support services assist with crisis housing, counselling and other information,” said Ms Lee.
Assistance is also available at Casey North Community Information and Support Service on 9705 6699 or Cranbourne Information and Support Service on 5996 3333.
Staff at these services can determine other appropriate agencies to refer people to or provide crisis counselling.