Adelaide, South Australia

ISBN 0646402927

2000 and Beyond Domestic Violence Forum Report

Publisher: Migrant Women's Lobby Group

Foreword *

SUMMARY OF MWLG PLAN OF ACTION *

FORUM PROGRAM OUTLINE *

OPENING ADDRESS *

HEALTH / INDUSTRIAL AREA *

POLICE AREA *

LEGAL AREA *

WELFARE AREA *

WORKSHOP DISCUSSION AND FINDINGS *

CLOSING ADDRESS *

POST FORUM: SUMMARY OF OVER-ARCHING ISSUES *

PROPOSALS *

MIGRANT WOMEN'S LOBBY GROUP PLAN OF ACTION *

APPENDIX 1 *

The Migrant Women’s Lobby Group (MWLG) is a voluntary community organisation which since 1984 has been canvassing a number of issues, interests and concerns of migrant women, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds.

At an Information Day for Migrant Women held in 1998, migrant women reiterated that they continue to have difficulties in gaining access to information which is accurate and reliable and delivered in settings which are linguistically and culturally appropriate.

Following up these concerns the MWLG was successful in gaining a small grant from Community Benefits SA to hold a series of information workshops in a range of areas including domestic violence, education, youth, ageing, carers and mental health.

The 2000 and Beyond Domestic Violence Forum, held on Tuesday, 22 February 2000, is the first in the series of workshops.

A planning group was set up to organise the Forum. This Planning Group included MWLG members who were actively involved in the domestic violence area.

The membership of the MWLG which includes women from non-English speaking backgrounds and community based agencies, such as Women's Health Statewide, Non-English speaking backgrounds Domestic Violence Action Group, Women’s Legal Service, Dale St. Women’s Health Service, Working Women’s Centre, Migrant Women’s Support & Accommodation Service Inc. and Centrelink organized a Domestic Violence Forum for non-English speaking background communities on Tuesday, 22 February 2000.

The Planning Group invited a number of distinguished people working on domestic violence issues in four main areas; health/industrial, police, legal and welfare to give focus presentations in their area of expertise. These presentations were followed by concurrent workshops on health/industrial; police, legal and welfare issues.

The Forum was held in the western suburbs of Adelaide, where there is a high proportion of people from non-English speaking backgrounds. More than one hundred people attended from a good cross-section of non-English speaking backgrounds communities including: African, Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, Indian, Filipino, Muslim, Sri Lankan, Samoan, European backgrounds and others. Notable also was the participation of a number of men from non-English speaking backgrounds at the Forum.

Throughout the day and subsequently, there have been inquiries by both participants and others who did not have the opportunity to attend, about the publication of a report so that the valuable information presented at the Forum could be distributed to a wider audience.

In response, the Planning group undertook to collect and collate the various presentations; review the findings, formulate the proposals; devise the plan of action for the MWLG and compile a report of the proceedings.

This 2000 and Beyond Domestic Violence Forum Proceedings Report brings together the views of the presenters and the participating non-English speaking background communities.

The MWLG would like to thank a number of contributors to the 2000 and Beyond Domestic Violence Forum including:

• Community Benefits SA for the grant
• The Parks Function Complex for the facilities
• Ms. Marta Lohyn Chairperson of the MWSAS, for chairing the Forum
• The Hon. Carmel Zollo; MLC for her opening address
• The Hon. Frances Bedford; MP for Florey for her closing address
• Presenters

• Non-English Speaking Background Domestic Violence Action Group (NESBDVAG)
• Staff at Migrant Women's Support and Accommodation Service (MWSAS )
• Elizabeth Sloniec for editing work

Finally, I would like to thank the other members of the MWLG Planning Group

- Koula Aslanidis, Gilda Campbell, Monica Chiappe, Sofia Mavrogeorgis, Angela Nesci, Milenka Vasekova-Safrilidis, Teresa Van Wasserling for their enthusiastic commitment to this project. Their generosity in sharing experiences and expertise in this field was much appreciated.

The MWLG dedicates this report to the late Irene Krastev (1925-2000).

Irene was a founding member of the MWLG in 1984 and she continued to serve the committee as Secretary /Treasurer till her death in February 2000. Irene' s life of energetic community service continues to inspire the work of all members.

Rosetta Colanero

Chairperson, Migrant Women's Lobby Group

October 2000

• provide counselling services to women from non-English speaking backgrounds in their own languages.
• review their services and seek to reflect and respond to the cultural diversity in society and in their client base by the provision of culturally inclusive policies and practices;
• train all counsellors in the specific and special needs of women from non-English speaking backgrounds in situations of domestic violence;
• encourage and support their workers from non-English speaking backgrounds to train as counsellors and to work in culturally appropriate ways within communities;
• recruit bilingual/bicultural workers

• offer Counselling and Community Development courses on Domestic Violence
• provide bridging courses for counsellors from non-English speaking backgrounds;

• Access to information about English classes for women from non-English speaking backgrounds
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate dissemination and presentation of materials
• Access to cross cultural and domestic violence awareness programs for DIMA Community Settlement Services officers

• Counselling agencies
• Child and Family Investigation Units;
• Health Services;
• Legal Services;
• Welfare agencies;

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FORUM

Migrant Women’s Lobby Group’s member

I was pleased to be given the opportunity of launching a forum which is looking at the important issue of domestic violence. Entitled '2000 and Beyond', this forum sponsored by the Migrant Women's Lobby Group will be chaired by Marta Lohyn, Chairperson of the Migrant Women's Support and Accommodation Service. My colleague the member for Florey, Frances Bedford MP, is also present and will close the forum.

The Migrant Women's Lobby Group, chaired by Ms Rosetta Colanero, emphasises the need to address the specific and special linguistic and cultural needs, interests and concerns of women of diverse cultural background, as well as assisting women to access reliable and quality services.

The promotion of basic human rights for women and children to live without the fear of domestic violence takes on a greater significance when it is applied to women of diverse cultural background. Migrant women have much more to contend with when domestic violence occurs. There is often a greater level of shame because of cultural differences, often a lack of recognition of the problem and lack of support within their own community, to name just a few.

Domestic violence is not a problem just for women; it is a problem for the whole community because, generally speaking, one sex perpetrates a violation towards another and therefore needs to be addressed by an inclusive society. Perpetrators of domestic violence do have a choice: domestic violence is the way they choose to resolve a conflict. The choice is unacceptable. It is a personality deficiency which can be addressed and changed.

I particularly acknowledge the work of the Migrant Women's Support and Accommodation Service Inc. for its assistance to women from a non-English speaking background. In the context of prevention, it might also be appropriate to discuss what educational assistance is available to men from a non-English speaking background who are perpetrators. Are they receiving special help outside the mainstream, help which is then pivotal in eliminating the threat of domestic violence to their partners who are the victims?

It does concern me whether we are doing enough or going about it in the right way to educate men with different cultural attitudes that domestic violence in whatever form is not acceptable, that it is a crime. The impact of domestic violence on children is well recorded and particularly disturbing. Children's needs and how to address their needs are important considerations. There is disruption to the lives of children who are removed from their homes, neighbourhood, friendships, and often schools. We all know that children see so much and, without the help needed to work through their emotions, the impact can sometimes be very long lasting.

As legislators we recognise the need to listen to the outcomes of such forums as it assists in improving legislation. I know I speak for everyone in saying legislation aimed at eliminating domestic violence enjoys bipartisan support.

I do believe this is an important forum and I thank the Migrant Women's Lobby Group for giving everyone the opportunity to discuss the roles of the legal, health, welfare and educational sectors and to come up with suggestions and recommendations as they relate to women from a non-English speaking background.

I know we all speak with one voice when we say that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our community, and I wish the forum every success and congratulate those community members who were involved in setting up the forum.

Adelaide Central Community Health Service, Dale St Women's Health Centre

I wish to acknowledge that although Domestic Violence is also perpetrated by women, statistics show that the majority of all partner abuse involves men being abusive towards women. So in this presentation I will refer to men as perpetrators, and women and children as victims or survivors.

Domestic Violence is any form of abuse, violence and or coercion by a partner, or previous partner, that serves to establish and maintain power and control over another person, is enacted in a context of unequal power or privilege, and has the potential to cause harm to the physical and or emotional well being of that person.

The behaviours which constitute Domestic Violence include:

• Actual or threatened physical assault
• Sexual
• Verbal
• Social
• Spiritual
• Economic abuse

There are powerful beliefs in our society that make it possible for Domestic Violence to continue. These beliefs have been around for a long time and influence us all from a young age, for example that:

• women and girls are the nurturers and will put other’s needs first,
• women are responsible for men’s anger and violence
• alcohol makes men violent
• what happens in the home is private, ‘it’s no one else’s business’
• women are responsible for keeping the family together- ‘no matter what’

This is a result of put downs regarding the woman’s body shape, intelligence, mothering ability, grooming, home management skills etc. Telling her she’s useless, worthless, ignorant crazy, stupid etc.

Not allowing her to have her own friends and keeping her isolated. Forcing her to remain in the home, disconnecting the telephone or screening the mail. Constantly criticizing and being suspicious of her family and friends, being moody when her friends come around and making them feel uncomfortable about being there.

Making threats, using looks or actions or speaking in ways that are frightening or threatening. Throwing crockery, punching the walls, breaking furniture or household goods, killing family pets.

Abusing her when she is vulnerable, pregnant or with a new baby, when she is ill, disabled, depressed or in any other way feeling debilitated. Stopping a woman from getting medical attention, preventing her from meeting her physical needs eg food, water, sleep.

Women who experience DV are often not able to attend to early symptoms of ill health so their health problems are more likely to accumulate and worsen as time passes. They may develop chronic conditions that may never go away. Also there’s no time or permission to focus on their own health. Women are often not able to get in touch with their own health needs until when they are away from the perpetrator and feel safe.

The woman will have been depleted of so much self worth and self confidence that she would not feel able to stand up for herself. Also if she doesn’t accept or comply, there can often be threats of violence to herself or someone she loves.

The ongoing nature of putdowns and blame has women reach a point where they don’t feel capable of coming up with solutions or ideas.

At this point the woman feels unable to get away from the violent situation for a range of reasons, including that of having been depleted of her sense of worth and therefore believing that she could not make it on her own.

Higher levels of behavioural and emotional problems than other children. They may believe that they are responsible for the violence. Even if children don’t suffer physical injury, they may have emotional scars, which in some cases can last a lifetime.

• feelings of fear, anger, depression, grief, shame, despair and distrust
• powerlessness
• stomach cramps, sleeping and eating difficulties, frequent illness, stress related conditions headaches
• slowed developmental capacities - poor school performance, low self esteem.
• learning that violence is a legitimate means for obtaining control of a situation or for resolving conflict.

In some cultures Domestic Violence is normalised or accepted as part of men’s cultural ways eg that it’s OK or important to discipline the woman and this may include a range of violent behaviours. Language barriers mean further isolation for the woman ie: no access to information about her rights and about support services for herself and her children. Domestic Violence is not acceptable no matter what cultural or traditional background and as a community we need to keep finding ways of challenging beliefs which perpetuate or normalise Domestic Violence.

Ideas used in this presentation were drawn from the following sources:

Maria is not alone in having her work performance affected by DV. As her manager I could have added to her stress by putting her through a performance appraisal or counseling process, issued her warnings and even laid her off. Women in this position hardly have the will to fight another battle. They don't have the resources to 'lift their performance' at work, nor do they want the shame of doing a less than perfect job. Many women don't seek help with a workplace issue as it has the power to add to their sense of shame or cause them to fear for their survival. They may be in a state of disbelief about what is happening to them at home. Women often lose or leave their jobs, even when it is the partner's behaviour at the work site that is causing the problem.

• Lacking self confidence and being seen as not very competent or unmotivated

The Port Adelaide Child & Family Investigation Unit

To ensure that the section members when dealing with issues relating to domestic violence and child abuse work as a unified and coordinated group to provide:

• better management of child and family related issues

• developing a multi-disciplinary police response base

• creating an effective and positive working relationship for general duties and investigation officers
• establishing exchange of information between general duties and investigation officers
• intelligence led policing in child abuse and family violence

• Police Incident Reports relating to child abuse and family/domestic violence
• Enquiries relating to child abuse and family/domestic violence
• Receive notifications from Sexual Assault Section, Family and Youth Services (FAYS) District Offices, Child Protection Services at Flinders Medical Centre and Women's and Children's Hospital, FAYS Child Abuse Report line and Education Sector
• Notifications from members of the public relating to child abuse and family/domestic violence
• Notifications from professional groups /organisations /people

• One Supervisor Sergeant
• Child Abuse Investigators - Detective/s
• Domestic Violence Investigators

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Attorney-General's Department in conjunction with the South Australia Police is running a 12 month project to reduce repeat victimisation for women, children and men involved in domestic violence situations.

The intent of the project is to reduce repeat incidents of domestic violence, where police have been called, through a three-tiered program of operational interventions. The interventions are targeted at both the victim and the perpetrator. The project will focus on developing and improving the ways that police, after attendance at a domestic violence incident, deal with the people (women, children and men) involved in the situation. Each time police have attended a particular event involving the same perpetrator, a different and more serious group of follow-up strategies will be implemented. For a list of these strategies, see the "Levels of Interventions" section.

The project will operate in two areas, namely, the Port Adelaide Local Service Area and the South Coast Local Service Area.

This project was first implemented in Killingbeck, UK, in 1997. Its main achievements included:

· a reduction in the number of repeat victimisations

· an increase in the number of single (rather than multiple) attendances

· an increase in the time interval between attendances

· identification of chronic offenders

· victims felt encouraged to seek assistance

"Repeat victimisation" describes the situation in which a person is the victim of domestic violence perpetrated by the same offender on more than one occasion. This project will concentrate on incidents of domestic violence that have been reported to police. Repeat victimisation is a common pattern in domestic violence situations. A reduction in repeat victimisation could be any of the following:

• no further incidents of domestic violence;
• an increase in the amount of time between incidents; or a decrease in the severity of domestic violence incidents.

It is anticipated that the outcomes of the project in the two project locations will be:

• a reduction in the number of repeat incidents of domestic violence;
• an increase in the amount of time between incidents of domestic violence;
• a decrease in the severity of domestic violence incidents;
• an increase in the rates of victims or others reporting domestic violence to police;
• an increase in the number of people (both victims and perpetrators) attending local services;
• an increase in the number of police who take reports of domestic violence; an increase in the number of incidents recorded by police as domestic violence; and an increased commitment on the part of police to reducing the incidence of repeat domestic violence.

A substantial research project is being undertaken, alongside the project, in order to assess its outcomes. Six months after the conclusion of the project we will be in a position to determine its level of "success". The Crime Prevention Unit will work with SAPOL to introduce the levels of intervention throughout other Local Service Areas, if the project proves to be successful.

As the project relies on changing the way police respond to incidents of domestic violence, it can be implemented with little additional resourcing.

Given the nature of this project, it is anticipated that reports of domestic violence to police will significantly increase. When police follow up an incident of domestic violence, both victims and perpetrators will be supplied with information about local services. This will have a flow on effect to service providers, both in the number of direct referrals to service providers from police, and the increased number of victims who may choose to access your service.

It is likely, therefore, that the project will have an impact on your service. The Crime Prevention Unit and the South Australia Police recognise that this may place an initial burden on your resources. However, if the results from the Killingbeck Project are replicated within this pilot project, it is believed the project will ultimately have long term positive effects for service providers, victims (including children) and perpetrators. This will be achieved through an improved police response which reduces the number of repeat incidents of domestic violence and thus decreases the demand for services.

A framework will be set up within the project to liaise with local service providers on

a regular basis to ascertain what impact the project is having on service provision.

The focus of the monitoring will be around:-

• Levels of referrals accessing your service
• Level of new clients accessing your service
• General impacts of the project on your service
• Issues that have come to your attention that relate to the project.

This monitoring is not expected to create much additional work for your service. However, your service's support in collecting this information and feeding it back to the project team will be exceptionally important in enabling us to monitor the resource implications of the project and to make any necessary adjustments to the project whilst it is being implemented.

We encourage you to contact the project team at any time to discuss any aspects of the project. The support of local service providers will increase the likelihood of the project being successful and thus, contribute to a reduction in domestic violence.

Women’s Legal Service was set up to provide a service specifically to women. It is funded by the Federal Attorney General to ensure that women have equal access to the law. There are women’s legal services in every capital city and in some rural areas. Women’s Legal Service (SA) provides a free and confidential legal service to women in South Australia.

The Staff is made up of a coordinator, 1.5 administrative officer, 2 solicitors, 1 Indigenous worker and 1 community worker with focus on domestic violence and women of non-English speaking backgrounds.

Women’s Legal Service is currently setting up an outreach service and a service for Aboriginal women in Port Augusta in conjunction with the local community and ATSIC.

The Service has 6 telephone advice and information session times weekly. The session times are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 — 3 pm
• Tuesday evening 6 — 8 pm

During these sessions times women ring Women's Legal Service and speak directly to an adviser about their problems. Sometimes information and advice is sufficient to address the problem. If the women require further assistance an appointment may be made with one of the solicitors or they may be referred to a private solicitor in the case where they are employed or if they are eligible for legal aid.

If an interpreter is required the Service will organise for one either over the phone or in person.

As well as appointments in the Adelaide office, Women's Legal Service provides regular services at the following locations:

• Southern Women's Community Health Centre
• Northern Women's Community Health Centre,
• Dale Street Women's Community Health
• Murray Mallee Community Health Centre.

Child care is available for appointments at all locations. If child care is required the women must tell WLS when making the appointment.

WLS runs education sessions about women’s rights and the law. A lawyer or community worker can come out to speak to groups. This can be about a specific area of the law or information about the services provided by WLS. It can be questions and answers or a general discussion. These sessions can be requested for support groups, interest groups, service providers, groups in education, self development groups etc.

WLS provide a support service for women who need to appear in court on matters to do with domestic violence.

Support includes

• having someone go to court with the woman
• information about the woman’s rights in court
• information and referral to other services available to women
• support during the time leading up to the court appearance, in court and after the court appearance

Court support is available for women needing to appear

• in a Magistrate’s Court on matters of domestic violence
• in the Family Court
• in court without legal representation

and other courts where there has been a history of domestic violence in the woman’s life.

WLS has a special program for Indigenous women. This includes a regular legal service for women during the court circuits in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Indigenous women in Adelaide and other parts of South Australia can call WLS on the ordinary phone number, the toll free number and a number specific for the Indigenous women’s program.

WLS has a collection of resources and information including brochures, reference books, dictionaries, handbooks, its own publications and other legal resource information. The material cannot be borrowed but is available for women to use during weekday office hours.

Membership is open to al South Australian women who support the objectives of WLS. Involvement in the WLS can be as a volunteer on any of the programs, as a member of the management committee or just to keeping in touch with what WLS is doing. Members receive the newsletter and a copy of the Annual Report and invitations to General Meetings and special events. Anyone interested in becoming a member can call WLS for more information and a membership form.

FAMILY COURT COUNSELLING

• Privileged conciliation (children's issues)
• voluntary
• court-ordered
• Confident counselling (divorce - less than 2 years married)
• Joint conciliation with Registrars (all issues)
• Suburban outreach services (only when there is no court action)
• Group programmes

• Non privileged family assessment
• Expert witness

• Information sessions
• Duty counsellor service

Conciliation counselling is a process in which separating or separated parents are encouraged and assisted to make joint decisions about the future welfare of their children, by methods which are aimed at improving the relationship between them.

THE PROCESS INVOLVES:

• helping parents reach practical parenting agreements

• helping parents

• helping parents reduce conflict

• recognise feelings about the relationship, and the relationship breakdown
• deal with emotional and symbolic issues which stand in the way of adjustment, and fulfilling of parental roles

• Court Counselling is not therapy

• a short intervention of usually one session in most cases

· Parents_, who are usually seen together

· Children, or significant adult persons if appropriate

COURT COUNSELLING IS NOT ABOUT;

• Telling people what to do
• Forcing people into agreements they are not happy with
• Taking sides

· Impartial

· Neutral

but

· they focus on the needs of the children, and

· agreements must be in children's best interests

• information not disclosed without consent

• information not admissible in any court
• encourages free exploration of issues

• psychologists or social workers
• 5 years experience in child and family counselling
• skilled in conflict resolution strategies

· as often as needed

· at any stage of the separation process

· at any stage of the court process

• understanding and coping with the stresses of separation
• education about post-separation parenting
• achieving a better adjustment to the separation
• negotiating/renegotiating residence and contact arrangements

• assisting in negotiation of parenting plans

• Court Counselling has consistently achieved agreement in

85% of cases (2)

• the earlier the counselling, the greater likelihood of agreements and
• the further into litigation the less likelihood of agreement (2)

· negotiated agreements reduced likelihood of return to court by 6 times (3)

• Policies

• Duress alarms
• Federal police presence

• Separate waiting areas
• Secure waiting areas
• Separate appointments

Clients have the right not to participate in joint interviews.

We can deal with a problem when we know about it!

• Inform relevant section
• Encourage client to inform relevant section

The use of violence against individuals is described by a variety of terms, including:

• assault
• child abuse
• domestic violence
• economic abuse
• elder abuse
• emotional abuse
• exploitation
• financial coercion
• maltreatment
• neglect
• partner abuse
• psychological abuse
• sexual assault
• social abuse
• verbal abuse
• wife abuse

• Listen and respond to customers in a way that improves their safety, both within and outside the Centrelink context.

• Excel in finding effective and innovative solutions.

• Provide a personalised service to customers with complex problems: this includes providing information, opportunities and personal choices to help individuals through transitional periods in their lives, thus improving their quality of life.

• Be easy to deal with: contact will be welcoming, friendly, fair, courteous, respectful and non-judgmental, and will acknowledge that Centrelink is committed to assisting customers who are caught in the cycle of violence, including relationship breakdown, reconciliation and separation.

• Provide correct assessment, referral and payment information for customers to support themselves and their children.

• Respect customers' rights to privacy, hold their personal information in confidence, and inform customers of additional measures available within Centrelink to protect their personal file and computer records.

• Provide quick access to the right person to deliver assistance to each customer, including access to specialist services such as Social Workers.

• Recognise and respond to customers' cultural, language and disability-related needs.

• Work with community organisations providing services for people experiencing domestic and family violence at a local, regional and national level.

• Ensure early provision of any payments to which customers may be entitled to support themselves and their children.

• Provide liaison and referral services to available community resources and other agencies for training, education, housing, legal assistance, police, child care, longer term counselling and any other required service that is available; and help customers to negotiate with other government and community agencies.

• Provide customers with the information they require to make choices for themselves, in a manner that is easy to understand.

• Provide staff with domestic and family violence training to help them understand the customer's special needs.

Centrelink is committed to meeting customers' needs by providing staff with the skills and information they require. Customers have the right to say when Centrelink has not met their needs, and to request to see another officer or supervisor.

Centrelink staff are aware of and committed to assisting this group of customers who may experience difficulties in exercising their rights, due to long-term psychological effects of experiencing violence in their lives.

Centrelink will review and update its statement on service delivery on a regular basis to ensure it is providing people escaping domestic and family violence situations with appropriate assistance, in a timely and effective manner. This includes revising these policies and procedures as Centrelink undertakes to deliver services on behalf of different organisations and government departments.

Centrelink will provide feedback to client departments and organisations about the impact of policy initiatives on people experiencing violence in their lives.

Customers are responsible for notifying Centrelink about changes in their circumstances which could affect their payments.

Because it is recognized that Domestic Violence is. social problem and not just a financial one, appointments for interviews should include both social worker and community support worker.

After assessment the following discretionary assistance may be offered

• taxi voucher to enable the survivor or perpetrator to leave following an incident
• removal expenses to take furniture and belongings to other sate accommodation or to storage
• a payment of the first two weeks fees for storage of furniture
• security locks to ensure victims safety (if residing in SAHT accommodation this should be negotiated with that Division
• telephone connection, where essential, (where possible clients should use 'Incoming and Emergency Only' facility which is free of charge)
• whitegoods (fridge, washing machine)
• washing machines would only normally be provided to clients whose circumstances make This a necessity eg: those with young children in nappies, where incontinence was an issue or where medical reasons exist. Options of obtaining grants from agencies such as the Wyatt Trust or tapping into SAAP funding may also be explored.
• essential furniture viz: beds
• essential clothing

When domestic violence is an issue, workers must use the Domestic Violence Manual of Practice to guide their decisions. This manual is subject to review and workers should ensure they have V1 October 1999 the most up to date version

Debit Lines for domestic violence

lntegrated practice

Refusal of a payment

Basic Budgeting

Payment for accommodation should only be made after a comprehensive assessment, when all other avenues have been explored and the following procedures adhered to:

When assessing requests for assistance with accommodation from vulnerable young people, those fleeing Domestic Violence and children under the Guardianship of the Minister, screen carefully and involve a Social Worker where appropriate (refer to guidelines under the Customer Service Section of this Manual end the Domestic Violence Manual of Practice).

Payment may be made for emergency accommodation in relation to Domestic violence if no suitable vacancy exists at a shelter and where it is not timely or appropriate to refer to the South Australian Housing Trust for assistance.

Refer clients requesting assistance with priority housing or bonds for private rental accommodation in the South Australian Housing Trust for assessment.

Where clients are threatened with eviction by the SAHT, negotiate a payment plan, where possible, rather than setting up a situation where one Division of Human Services pays another

Requests for assistance with food should be carefully assessed. Payments can be made to assist clients in a crisis situation or as part of a case plan but care should be taken not to encourage a dependency. The following procedures. should be followed

· Assess client's needs

· Refer appropriately to local agencies funded to provide emergency relief and other voluntary agencies within the community

When making payments ensure the most appropriate method is used (for further details see section entitled Method of Payment).

Payments for food should not be made to

• Independent single people living at home or for boarders

• Clients who repeatedly spend their income on items for which financial support would not be given viz fines

• Clients who make repeated applications because of lost purse/wallet.

Clients who have the ability to access their own financial resources do not qualify for payment under Financial Support Payments - Domestic Violence. (When clients have been residing in a shelter or transitional home for a certain period of time should have been able to manage to save some money to pay for certain items).

Verification of Domestic Violence must be verified in writing on letterhead. Client must be living in FAYS office area to enable payment to be made. For clients who have been residing in transitional homes - shelter workers must contact the FAYS office which covers the area where the transitional home is located.

(Limit to the discretion of the District Centre)

WHITEGOODS

Under each office's discretion a Refrigerator (and washing machine when factors such as children or disabilities may require consideration) to the value of fridge $250, washing machine $250 or both $500.00 depending on the outcomes of a financial assessment.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REMOVALS

Removal costs of furniture (limit to the discretion of the District Centre) Storage of furniture, limit of up to two weeks storage and client to pay account after the two weeks, it is up to the client to move the furniture out of storage.

INTERSTATE RELOCATIONS

Interstate relocations are very rare and are normally avoided when there are available options within South Australia. Acting on a hasty decision to move interstate may not be in the survivor's or the children's' best interest. In helping survivors reach well informed decisions about relocations to another State the need for safety must be balanced with the need for them to plan and consider a range of options.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Money assistance for food and other necessities can/may be provided. As well as DV packs and cloth nappies etc.

FAYS can:

· advocate on the client's behalf to other agencies for assistance and services,

Following assessment the following discretionary assistance may be offered:

• taxi voucher to enable the perpetrator to leave follow_ing an incident
• removal expenses to take furniture and belongings to other safe accommodation or to storage
• payment of the first two weeks fees for storage of furniture
• security locks to ensure victims safety
• telephone connection (where essential)
• whitegoods (fridge, washing machine)
• essential furniture ie beds
• clothing

Payments would not normally be made for removals the exceptions being when payment is made

to assist families/individuals fleeing Domestic violence to take furniture end belongings to other safe accommodation or to storage.

(The Division's philosophy and principles, legislative and administrative expectations and requirements together with operational and procedural policy are outlined in The Domestic Violence Manual of Practice (1997).

as part of a financial Counselling case plan.

as part of a case plan developed through a collaborative approach between social worker financial counsellor and client or between workers from different Divisions of Human Services or other agencies.

If using a removalist, where possible obtain three quotes.

· obtain written proof that goods carried are insured.

· Copies of all quotes and warranties are to be kept on file.

· Originals should be given to the client.

· Cheques are to be made payable direct to Removalist.

· District Centres must maintain reliable and confidential networks with their local removal companies.

Financial Support would not normally be given for costs of relocation interstate.

Relocation to another state or territory should only be considered in situations where safety of the survivor and children is an issue and where there are no other options within South Australia. (The safety of survivor and children must be the primary consideration)

Where domestic violence is an issue travel expenses may be allowed to the border but it's preferred that clients are provided with a safe, secure and supportive environment for a day or two to enable appropriate planning and well considered decisions.

District Centres must maintain reliable and confidential networks with their local removal companies.

Because it is recognized that Domestic violence is a social problem and not just financial one, appointments for interviews should include both social worker and community support worker.

After assessment the following discretionary assistance may be offered

taxi voucher to enable the survivor or perpetrator to leave following an incident

financial support to pay for fuel, bus fares etc

Payment to travel interstate should only be considered where safety of the survivor and children is an issue and where there are no other options within South Australia.

Workers must use the Domestic violence Manual of Practice to guide their decisions for all applications for assistance.

To assist where Domestic Violence is an issue assistance can be provided up to a limit of two weeks.

Migrant Women’s Support & Accommodation Service Inc.

Domestic Violence Services' sector in South Australia has been funded under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) which first came into operation in January 1985 as the first national program designed to assist homeless people in crises and women and children escaping domestic violence.

The national objective of SAAP is to achieve the maximum possible degree of empowerment, self-reliance and independence appropriate for people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless and in crisis. Assistance is aimed at:

• resolution of crisis;
• re-establishment of family links where appropriate; and
• achievement of greater independence by improving their access to the labour market, to long term secure and affordable housing and the range of social support devices.

The program is jointly funded by both the Commonwealth and State Governments. In 1996/97 it is estimated that almost 101 000 homeless people received services from 1,183 SAAP agencies at a cost of $219.8 million recurrent funding. 2% of agencies specifically target people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

In May 1998 there were 71 SAAP agencies operating throughout South Australia with total recurrent funding allocation of $20.9 million. Almost one-third of agencies is located in the Adelaide region. The funding allocation for SAAP Domestic Violence Services is $5,331,700 per annum in SA.

The proportion of persons from non-English speaking backgrounds as a group accommodated in SAAP housing is less than anticipated. While representing 11% of the SA population, people of non-English speaking backgrounds comprise 7.2% of SAAP clients overall.

The NDCA Annual Report provides the following information on people of non-English speaking backgrounds utilisation of SAAP services in SA:

• Of the 7.2% of support periods counted for non-English speaking backgrounds clients, 9.5% were for females and 5.5% for males;
• non-English speaking backgrounds clients required domestic violence counselling services in 20% cases;
• 21.4% of all women escaping domestic violence were of non-English speaking backgrounds.

Following the SA Review of services for women and children escaping domestic violence in 1997, the last 12-18 months has been one of transition for domestic violence sector.

As part of the restructure, a resource model was developed to deliver greater equity in the distribution of services across the state and improved access for women and children.

There were major changes to the way services were structured, delivered and located and how they were provided, particularly in the areas of:

• Outreach work/support provision (to women in domestic violence situations not ready to leave matrimonial homes);
• Improved and increased accommodation options (with focus on individual Transition Houses away from communal shelters). The stay ranges from 8 weeks - 12 weeks for Migrant Service; and
• Better responses to women with special needs who traditionally missed out on service due to the unsuitability of communal shelters to their needs (Mental health issues, Disability, Drug & Alcohol, Older male children, etc.).

The whole Domestic Violence System is not yet fully in place, there are still some transitional houses to come on line and further rebuilding programs (MWSAS & Nunga Miminis Aboriginal Women's Shelter - which is dependant on SAHT' stock availability and CAP funding).

In the newly structured Domestic Violence sector there are 21 SAAP funded D.V. Agencies in South Australia.

Country services are based in the following country regions:

• Ceduna Domestic Violence and Family Service,
• Coober Pedy Hospital,
• Cross Borders Project in Alice Springs,
• Elouera House in Whyalla,
• Eyre Peninsula Women & Children's Support Centre in Pt. Lincoln,
• Kangaroo Island Health Service,
• Murray Bridge Supported Accommodation,
• Northern Country Women & Children's Support Service in Pt. Augusta,
• Port Pirie Central Mission, Riverland Women's Shelter,
• South Eastern Women's Emergency Service in Mt. Gambier,
• Umoona Tjutagku Health Service in Coober Pedy and
• Weena Mooga Gu Gudba in Ceduna.

There are 7 Metropolitan services, including:

• Northern Domestic Violence Service Inc.;
• Southern Domestic Violence Service Inc.;
• Central-Eastern Domestic Violence Service Inc.;
• Western Domestic Violence Service Inc.;
• Specialist Migrant service, ie. MWSAS Inc;
• Specialist Aboriginal service, ie. Nunga Miminis Shelter;
• Domestic Violence Crisis Service; and

Bramwell House (not included in the chart as its role is yet to be fine-tuned).

It was not anticipated that the restructure would be the answer to all the issues presented by the review of services in 1997.

Exit points are currently an issue. As there are not enough of them this causes decreased access to services because it prevents turnover and prolongs the women and children's stay in domestic violence services, and/or results in a blockage of the system. Lack of suitable exit points also places increased demand on motel accommodation that is not always a suitable alternative for the needs of women and children escaping domestic violence.

It is recognised that dealing with domestic violence is not the responsibility of one sector, and that coordination and cooperation amongst the housing, health, legal, police, welfare and other sectors is required in order to maximise the best possible clients' outcomes for women and children trying to live free from domestic violence.

• Adelaide Metropolitan Area - as at February 2000

1. Counselling for non-English speaking backgrounds women in domestic violence needs to be available in their own language
2. Funding resources required to train non-English speaking backgrounds workers in domestic violence counselling
3. Need for qualified welfare workers of non-English speaking backgrounds training other counsellors on non-English speaking backgrounds issues
4. Recognition of overseas qualifications
5. Community Education regarding violence in pregnancy and sexual abuse
6. Improved information needed about non-English speaking backgrounds women access to learning English/ E.L.L.S. classes
7. Programs for non-English speaking backgrounds perpetrators of domestic violence needed but not at the cost of reduction of services for victims/survivors
8. General Practitioners need to improve - usage of T.I.S./Interpreters (at Medicare cost)
9. referring to non-English speaking backgrounds Counsellors
10. ability to recognise domestic violence issues
11. emphasis on domestic violence (part of their regular conferences)
12. curriculum (part of training to include domestic violence awareness)
13. Youth Shelters accommodation needs to be appropriate to the needs of young women of non-English speaking backgrounds in domestic violence situations
14. Need for training re. Awareness of Domestic Violence issues for DIMA.'s settlement officers
15. Domestic violence needs to be translated into Policies and Procedures
16. Reception area in general needs to display information re. domestic violence resources in different languages
17. Training to increase awareness on domestic violence issues for:
18. Sexual Harassment Contact Officers
19. Occupational Health & Safety Officers
20. Information about EAP (Employees Assistance Program) needs to be available to non-English speaking backgrounds workers
21. Information about access to free legal advice needs to be provided
22. Willingness of management to recognise, acknowledge and address domestic violence issues affecting their employees
23. Provision of safe room with phone, within workplace
24. Employees working hours flexibility to facilitate court attendance, receiving medical attention, reduced/prevent stalking and isolation
25. Focus needs to be on domestic violence problem not on the victim (no victim blaming within workplace)
26. Clear lines of communication (when Security Officer/ Personnel on leave)
27. Access to information regarding domestic violence support groups and services within workplace
28. Role of Unions
29. Build trust with employees

 

 

 

 

 

 

HEALTH / INDUSTRIAL AREA Workshop Discussion Points continued

 

30. Fund raiser for a local domestic violence service/group raises awareness for workers
31. Approaches to employers on domestic violence awareness days within workplace
32. Research cost/impact on workplace and performance
33. Domestic Violence' Leave Bank (clauses in Enterprise Bargaining Agreements)
34. The Industrial Commission to recognise that domestic violence can result in dismissals
35. Family friendly workplaces to consider effects of domestic violence on children for shift workers.

N.D.V. Projects -

Migrant Women’s Lobby Group’s member

I acknowledge that we are meeting on Kaurna land and thank the original custodians and inhabitants of this land.

I also thank the Migrant Women’s Lobby Group for the opportunity to close this very important meeting today.

Domestic Violence is a hidden crime and a taboo subject. Why does it appear to be tolerated despite us all recognising that violent behaviour of any kind is wrong and totally inappropriate? Every day families are suffering intolerable pain at the hands of perpetrators that abuse for a variety of reasons. After talking to survivors of abuse in my own electorate it is my belief that the way to approach this issue is to find the reason behind the abuse. Unfortunately it is hard to legislate for common sense and good behaviour and punishment is not enough any more - anger management is not the only way.

We have to look at why abusers abuse, what is it that triggers violence? Research has shown that it is not just people who are innately bad who abuse, it is people who are faced with real life problems — unemployment, alcoholism, family and relationship problems, etc

Domestic Violence has enormous hidden costs for the State, which Government’s must recognise. When they do, they will act (if for no other reason) they will realise that prevention is far cheaper than the cure. In these days of economic rationalisation this is the only way to prompt Government intervention.

The bottom line is that Domestic Violence is a squandering of human potential because the energy used to survive can not be used to achieve. We have to empower those who become aware of domestic violence situations with strategies to assist, and remember knowledge is power.

Finally in closing this event I would like to congratulate the dynamic and energetic group who are MWLG on the organisation, food and selection of speakers for this forum and thank everyone for their contribution and concern in this important area.

The Forum Planning Group met and reviewed the workshop discussions and findings.

The feedback from the forum which was provided through the workshops and in general remarks was insightful and engaged.

The speakers were happy to contribute their experiences and expertise to the range of fields being discussed and participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to raise a number of issues with people working in the area of domestic violence.

Speakers and participants appreciated the opportunity to raise, consider and explore, in some detail, the many aspects of domestic violence through the perspectives of the needs, issues and concerns of people from non-English speaking backgrounds, particularly women and children.

Speakers were prepared to acknowledge that in general discussions, policies about and practices in domestic violence issues, the specific and special needs of women, children and men from non-English speaking backgrounds are regularly overlooked.

Participants were keen to point out that the special and specific needs of women, children and men from non-English speaking in domestic violence situations are marginalised.

Furthermore they expressed their frustration that over the years, their concerns about the lack of domestic violence services, which are culturally and linguistically appropriate, were not being addressed adequately.

In reviewing the workshop discussions and findings the planning group identified a number of overarching issues. They included:

• Counselling
• Culturally inclusive policies and practices
• Interpreting
• Cross cultural training;
• Information dissemination and education programs on specific issues
• Domestic Violence Awareness and Training
• Special Programs and Funding

These overarching issues were further expanded and developed by the planning group.

• Counselling

The need for counselling for women from non-English speaking backgrounds regarding domestic violence issues and services; victims' rights and health and welfare and legal support was considered a priority.

• Culturally Inclusive policies and practices

The need for all services to reflect and respond to the cultural diversity within Australian society was highlighted. Culturally Inclusive policies and practices were deemed essential for all services in contact with women from non-English speaking backgrounds. This would mean that health, legal, police and welfare services would undertake to make their services more culturally, linguistically and gender appropriate.

• Interpreting

Interpreting services were considered fundamental to the provision of equitable and culturally sensitive domestic violence services to women from non-English speaking backgrounds.

• Cross Cultural training;

Cross Cultural training was considered important and essential for workers in the mainstream services as well as in the special and specific services.

• Information dissemination and education programs on specific issues;

The need for information dissemination and education programs on specific issues was highlighted. It was emphasised that access to and suitability of information and education was important.

• Domestic Violence Awareness and Training;

It was stressed that counsellors and GPs and services in health, welfare and the law need Domestic Violence Awareness and Training

• Special Programs and Funding

A range of special programs and projects needing funds were identified.

The Planning Group then developed proposals for each overarching issue.

That

• Counselling for women from non-English speaking backgrounds experiencing domestic violence needs to be available in their own languages;
• Counselling services review their services and seek to reflect and respond to the cultural diversity in society by the provision of culturally inclusive policies and practices;
• Counsellors be trained to respond to the specific and special needs of women from non-English speaking backgrounds in Domestic violence situations;
• Counselling and community development courses be offered by TAFE and Higher education institutions;
• TAFE and Higher Education institutions provide bridging courses for counsellors from non-English speaking backgrounds;
• Counselling services encourage and support their workers from non-English speaking backgrounds to become counsellors and to work in culturally appropriate ways within communities;
• Bilingual and bicultural workers be recruited by counselling services.

That

• Child and Family Investigation Units
• Health Services
• Legal Services
• Police
• Welfare Agencies and
• Industrial Units

That

• Interpreters be trained in domestic violence issues and that

• Counsellors
• Child and Family Investigation Units;
• Health Services;
• GPs;
• Police;
• Legal Services;
• Welfare Services

That

• Counsellors
• Workers in Child and Family Investigation Units;
• Workers in Health Services;
• Workers in Legal Services;
• Workers in Welfare agencies;
• Police;

That

• Counsellors and GPs be trained in Domestic Violence Awareness;
• Perpetrators from non-English speaking backgrounds need special programs but not at the expense of programs for victims;
• Health, Welfare and Legal Services officers be trained in Domestic Violence awareness;
• Industrial Units be trained in Domestic Violence awareness;
• The structure and layout of services dealing with victims of domestic violence take into account their safety and associated issues;.

That

• Access to information about domestic violence services, interpreters, counsellors free legal advice be provided to women from non-English speaking backgrounds;
• Access to information about English classes for women from non-English speaking backgrounds be provided;
• Distribution of information re cross cultural/domestic violence issues, interpreters, counsellors to GPs, Child and Family Investigation Units, Health, Legal and Welfare Services and Police;
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate dissemination and presentation of materials in reception areas;
• Information dissemination by DIMA on Permanent Residency criteria and conditions and other provisions.
• Community education programs be established regarding violence and sexual abuse during pregnancy;
• Access to education programs for perpetrators of Domestic violence;
• Access to education programs on domestic violence for DIMA Community Settlement Services officers;

That

• Workplace and Industrial Issues and Domestic Violence perspectives be implemented.
• Youth shelters' accommodation needs to be appropriate for young women from non-English speaking backgrounds in domestic violence situations;
• GPs need to use interpreters at Medicare cost not client;
• GPs have Domestic Violence Awareness as part of their curriculum and training;
• Police need to report instances involving children in Domestic violence situations;
• Services and programs be provided for perpetuators of violence.
• Longer term support be provided for women from non-English speaking backgrounds after crisis short term accommodation;
• FAYS criteria for whitegoods needs to be more flexible;
• Towards Independence Project needs to be for the longer term.
• SA Housing Trust to address the specific and special needs of women from non-English speaking backgrounds.

That

• Resources be allocated to train counsellors from non-English speaking backgrounds
• Resources for programs on the impact of Domestic violence on victims and children's mental and emotional health;
• CAMHS need to have more resources and aim to address the cross-cultural and domestic violence issues affects on children;
• Funding for the provision of bilingual/bicultural workers in Child and Family Investigation Units.

• provide counselling services to women from non-English speaking backgrounds in their own languages.
• review their services and seek to reflect and respond to the cultural diversity in society and in their client base by the provision of culturally inclusive policies and practices;
• train all counsellors in the specific and special needs of women from non-English speaking backgrounds in situations of domestic violence;
• encourage and support their workers from non-English speaking backgrounds to train as counsellors and to work in culturally appropriate ways within communities;
• recruit bilingual/bicultural workers

• offer Counselling and Community Development courses on Domestic Violence
• provide bridging courses for counsellors from non-English speaking backgrounds;

• Child and Family Investigation Units
• Health Services
• Legal Services
• Police
• Welfare Agencies
• Industrial Units
• Family Court
• Court system and tribunals

• Counselling agencies
• Child and Family Investigation Units;
• Health Services;
• GPs;
• Police;
• Legal Services;
• Welfare Services
• Family Court
• Court system and tribunals

• Counselling agencies
• Child and Family Investigation units;
• Health Services;
• Legal Services;
• Welfare agencies;
• Police

• Family Court

• Court system and tribunals

The Migrant Women's Lobby Group undertakes to send a copy of the report and to write to DIMA highlighting the need for:

• Access to information about English classes for women from non-English speaking backgrounds
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate dissemination and presentation of materials
• Access to cross cultural and domestic violence awareness programs for DIMA Community Settlement Services officers

• Counselling agencies
• Child and Family Investigation Units;
• Health Services;
• Legal Services;
• Welfare agencies;

• Police
• GPs

• Write to the SA Housing Trust to consider and address the specific and special needs of women from non-English speaking backgrounds in situations of domestic violence.

• Write to the AMA in SA highlighting the need for GPs to

• Write to FAYS highlighting that

• Write to the Police highlighting the need to report instances involving children in situations of Domestic Violence;

• Write to Working Women's Centre and seek a meeting to discuss collaboration in a program highlighting the implications on workplace and industrial issues for women from non-English speaking backgrounds.

• train counsellors from non-English speaking backgrounds;
• investigate the impact of Domestic Violence on victims and children's mental and emotional health;
• provide bilingual/bicultural workers in Child and Family Investigation Units;
• support CAMHS in addressing the cross-cultural and Domestic Violence issues affects on children;

Migrant Women’s Lobby Group Inc. whose membership is comprised from a number of community women of non-English speaking backgrounds and community based agencies, such as Women's Health Statewide, Non-English speaking backgrounds Domestic Violence Action Group, Women’s Legal Service, Dale St. Women’s Health Service, Working Women’s Centre, Migrant Women’s Support & Accommodation Service Inc., organized a Domestic Violence Forum/Seminar for non-English speaking backgrounds communities on Tuesday, 22 February 2000.

This event was funded by the Community Benefits SA Grant and it was held in the western suburbs of Adelaide, which do have a high population of non-English speaking backgrounds people. The MWLG. was successful in gaining interest and participation of about 100 people and was particularly pleased with the good cross-section of non-English speaking backgrounds communities present from Asian, African, Muslim, Sri Lankan, Samoan, and European backgrounds, just to mention a few, and with the fact that some non-English speaking backgrounds males also showed interest in the domestic violence issues.

The workshops aimed at an information exchange and information up-date, and domestic violence issues exploration, particularly in relation to the migrants' needs, within the health/industrial, police, legal and welfare areas. It is difficult to condense a 6-hour seminar with all the issues people raised into a few minutes time limit and I can only say I guess that when the report is finalized, sufficient details will be then available.

However following is the summary, which in a very broad sense reflects the issues raised by the participating non-English speaking backgrounds communities:

• In the Health/Industrial area, the impact of abuse on victims’ well being on their role as family carers, and in some cases as providers, as well as the implications domestic violence has on the health system, were discussed. The long waiting list of CAMHS to address the needs of children affected by the violence was of great concert. The possible implications on victims’ workforce participation, performance and productivity, and Workcover consequences were also explored:

• The Legal issues workshop identified the need for more "Awareness Training" particularly in relation to Domestic Violence and Cross-Cultural issues for police, lawyers and family court's personnel;

• The Police issues workshop explored aspects ₀f the NDV Project (Prevent Domestic Violence) which will target both the victim and perpetrator but the relevance and effectiveness of that particular approach for the non-English speaking perpetrators are still evolving; and

• In the Welfare issues workshop, the Vietnamese community members identified that there was only one part-time Vietnamese-speaking welfare worker employed within the Domestic Violence Service sector of metropolitan Adelaide (by the Migrant Women’s Support & Accommodation Service Inc.) for community of 14 000 first generation migrants. Concerns were also expressed regarding the lack of services for perpetrators, in particular culturally relevant supports. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs' Domestic Violence Provision of the Migration Regulations was found to be bureaucratic, unclear and confusing by the participants.

The 2000 and Beyond Domestic Violence Forum report, covers in more comprehensive detail the views of the participating non-English speaking backgrounds communities.