“No-one can make you feel
inferior without your consent.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
The longest serving First Lady and the first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Ms Roosevelt drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with the foundations of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
The sentiment of such things is to aim for perfection, a relatively unachievable goal, as various agendas jostle for position and power, and we see the worst sides of humanity. It can sometimes be very hard to see good in the world, all on top of dealing with the day to day of our own “world”, or helping others navigate theirs.
Recently the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (PHN) offered General Practice Doctors and Staff the opportunity to participate in training on family and domestic violence, sighting important and beneficial information on how to identify, address and assist current and potential victims.
The prevalence in our community can be hard to determine, however there is no doubt that it exists and is likely, under-reported. What constitutes FDV can be eye-opening and confronting and is not just physical, which is so often the association.
But of most importance to this topic is knowing that there is help out there, with solid organisations ready to assist victim-survivors to leave situations, to seek safe refuge, and to assist in recovering and rebuilding.
Within Geelong we have wonderful organisations such as the Orange Door and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a national counselling line offering support and information. There is also emergency housing available to ensure that homelessness does not become an inhibiting factor to leaving, which is often when victims are their most vulnerable.
For GP’s and Medical Centres that have not taken up the training, talk to your PHN on the opportunity to do so.
If you are in a situation such as this, or you know or suspect that someone may be in a situation such as this, consult with your GP or the services listed on this page for advice.
As Ms Roosevelt stated, no one gets to make anyone else feel less than they are. Sometimes that first step is the one filled with most fear, but you are not alone, and you deserve a better world.
Stay Well,
Corinne G.
Links:
Orange Door – 
https://www.orangedoor.vic.
1800RESPECT – https://1800respect.org.au/
If you have experienced family
violence or very controlling
behaviour, or if you need help with parenting, or you are perhaps
worried about the wellbeing of a child or young person, then please, reach out.
If someone close to you is making you feel afraid or unsafe or if you are a child or young person who doesn’t feel safe or cared for or perhaps you are using or are at risk of using abusive or controlling behaviour, let’s talk.
If you no longer feel safe to return home and need
immediate support or if you are worried about the safety of someone you know, the Orange Door are here to assist.
Everyone is welcome at The Orange Door. You can also
seek help or support if you are a migrant or a refugee or
do not have permanent residency.
They also offer support for people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, Your safety is their priority.
The Orange Door is here to provide the support you need, quickly and easily. It’s free and you don’t need a referral.
Call 1800 312 820
83 Moorabool St, Geelong
1800RESPECT IS A FREE SERVICE,
24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is there to provide support to people impacted by domestic,
family or sexual violence. Sexual, domestic and family
violence can happen to anyone, regardless of the
country they are from, religion, sexuality, gender, age,
social background or culture. No matter what your
relationship to someone is, sexual, domestic and family violence are never OK.
1800RESPECT can also assist with information on how to
support someone who is experiencing violence and abuse, if they won’t reach out, you can.
Supporting someone can be difficult, so you can contact 1800RESPECT to seek support for yourself, whether you’re
a friend, family member or professional. Always support those that need it the most. Call 1800 737 732.
