With staunch advocate against domestic violence Rosie Batty being awarded Australian of the Year for 2015, the national conversation on family violence, and urgent calls-to-action to curb the “epidemic” have never been stronger.
It’s prompted both current PM Malcolm Turnbull and former PM Tony Abbott to push domestic violence to the forefront of the nation’s agenda, and it’s encouraged funding boosts on both State and Federal levels.
Much like almost every other talk show and news program in the country, analysing domestic violence, exposing flaws in the current system and speaking to survivors of abuse has been a regular point of focus for Channel 10‘s The Project – with Waleed Aly taking on our domestic violence expenditure, and then-Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull over the issue – in the same week.
However, discourse on fostering reform, and helping current or would-be abusers has been comparatively scarce.
As creative director Dee Madigan said in a brilliant segment during last night’s Gruen on anti-domestic violence advertising, the rhetoric of labelling domestic violence as “permanent”—for a male abuser’s reputation—doesn’t work in ebbing violence in family homes.
Early intervention, actively identifying, and encouraging abusers to step back from the edge? That could.
Last night, The Project spoke to Jerry Retford, a former emotionally and physically abusive partner, who spoke on his experiences as a perpetrator of family violence, and seeking help.
We speak to a former physically & emotionally abusive partner about how to change violent behaviour #TheProjectTV
Posted by The Project on Wednesday, 14 October 2015
On the tangible turning point for Retford, he lamented how violence in the home had become normalised for his eldest child. “He used to scream and fight and be terrified; after years of experiencing violence in the home, he became used to that being around him. “
In the interview, Retford praised the Government’s recent boost in funding, but said it couldn’t solely “fix the problem”. He also spoke on making more services available for men seeking help while engaging in abusive behaviour.
“I would love to see a day where every man who puts his hand up and says, ‘I need help,’ gets help straight away.”
“Every day, I’m thankful for the people that where there when I said I needed help. That not only saved my life, but my partner’s life.”
via The Project.
Domestic violence is never okay. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If you feel you have ‘crossed the line’, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 for anonymous and confidential telephone counselling. And for young men and women concerned about their own behaviour, call 1800 MYLINE on 1800 695 463.
