At their most recent meeting, members of Alexandra Rotary listened to an informative address from Finn, specialist family violence children's clinician at Nexus Primary Health.
Finn has been helping children and families affected by family violence in our area for over 20 years.
She reached out to Alexandra Rotary for financial support because the government redistributed the funding for the specialist family violence unit, leaving 6 very experienced staff and hundreds of vulnerable children and their families without support.
Nexus Primary Health resolved to retain the three therapists under community health funding, and with additional community support such as Rotary's donation will be able to cover the copayment for families seeking counselling. $13 may not seem a lot, but for some families it can be the difference between feeding their families, or not, tonight.
Family violence is not just a personal tragedy; it is a community crisis affecting our whole community.
Statewide statistics
In 2023 Victoria Police responded to 94,170 FV incidents- one every 6 minutes. 1 in 3 women in Victoria have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since age of 15. FV incidents have increase 38% over the last 10 years.
In Murrindindi in 2023-24 there were 1201 reports of family violence. Definition- Family violence includes physical, emotional, psychological financial and sexual abuse, coercive control within family groups. It is a disproportionate use of power to gain control over others.
Regional areas including Murrindindi experience higher rates of FV compared to metropolitan areas ( less access to resources partly to blame, less anonymity.
Challenges include limited emergency housing options for victims seeking immediate safety, geographical isolation hinders access to support services.
Understanding Elder Abuse
Definition Elder abuse involves harm to older individuals by someone they trust, often a family member.
Forms of abuse Psychological (63%) and financial (62%) abuses are the most reported. Physical abuse accounts for 16% of reports, social abuse 11%.
Perpetrators In 91% of cases the abuser is a family member, commonly sons (39%) or daughters (28%)
Prevalence Approximately 1 in 6 older Australians experience some form of elder abuse.
Local data is limited , but demographic trends suggest the issue is pertinent in Murrindindi Shire, although our rural setting may exacerbate challenges in reporting and accessing support services.
Community Response and Support
Local- resources and information available through Murrindindi Shire Council
Statewide- Safe steps is a 24/7 family violence response centre
Seniors Rights Victoria offers advice and support for elder abuse victims.
Community Role - encourage community members to be vigilant and supportive,
-promote education and awareness programs.
This is a community problem, we all have a role to play in addressing both family violence and elder abuse, supporting prevention and intervention. Please share this information with your family, friends and colleagues.
Service Above Self
ALEXANDRA, VIC 3714
Australia