Message from our CEO

As we recognised May as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it's essential we celebrate the recent government budget allocation aimed at tackling domestic violence in our communities. This funding brings hope and resources to many in need. This funding is a step in the right direction, but there's still much work to be done given one in three women still experience domestic violence. Experts estimate that violence against women and their children cost the Australian economy over $15.6 billion in 2022, with some suggesting the actual figures are far higher.1

June marks PRIDE Month, a time to celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ community. People in LGBTQIA+ relationships face unique challenges when seeking help for domestic violence. We must work towards a more inclusive and understanding system that acknowledges and addresses these specific needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We also observed National Reconciliation Week (May 27 - June 3) and look ahead to NAIDOC Week in July. We are taking these months to reflect on the progress made in Indigenous People’s rights, while still acknowledging the harsh reality that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by family violence.

At Justice Support Centre (JSC), our mission is to walk alongside all people on their journey towards justice and freedom from domestic and family violence. We strive to offer the necessary support and resources, recognising the unique sensitivities each person faces. Our goal is to ensure equal access to justice for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In this newsletter, you'll find a success story from our LGBTQIA+ Sydney Caseworker, who has been advocating tirelessly for a client. You'll also learn about the important work we're doing with First Nations communities and discover some useful resources should you or someone you know need support. Together, we continue to make a difference and support those affected by domestic and family violence.

[1] https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/women/publications-articles/reducing-violence/national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against-women-and-their-children/economic-cost-of-violence-against-women-and-their-children?HTML

Melanie Noden, CEO of Justice Support Centre

Every individual has the right to live free from fear or harm

Domestic violence is a global issue that affects people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or identity. However, within the LGBTQIA community, it often remains unnoticed or unaddressed. As stated by Ball & Hayes (2009), "Intimate partner violence within LGBTQIA relationships was largely unacknowledged until recently...". [1]

Research in this area has been scarce, and responses to intimate partner violence have primarily focused on heterosexual relationships, assuming women as victims and men as perpetrators.

Despite some acknowledgment of the issue within government agencies and the LGBTQIA community, substantive policy or practice responses remain lacking. This lack of acknowledgement stems from various factors, including an inability to recognise abuse outside of dominant understandings of gendered power dynamics.

Our system often fails to recognise or fully respect LGBTQIA+ relationships, leading to their cases being categorised as common assault rather than domestic violence. This lack of recognition means many people do not receive the support they desperately need, and that Justice Support Centre can provide to them. This is why we have LGBTQIA+ Focus workers in our WDVCAS services to ensure that we can provide specialist support.

Limited access to LGBTQIA-affirming resources further exacerbates the vulnerability of victims, while social stigma and cultural norms within both mainstream society and the LGBTQIA community isolate survivors and perpetuate cycles of abuse.

To address these challenges, concerted efforts are needed at various levels. Raising awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence within the LGBTQIA community is crucial, along with education programs targeting the general public and professionals in key sectors. Collaboration between community organisations, government agencies, and LGBTQIA advocacy groups is essential in creating a comprehensive support network and developing holistic strategies for preventing and responding to domestic violence.

Legal reforms are necessary to protect LGBTQIA individuals from domestic violence and strengthen their ability to seek redress. By recognising the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals and implementing targeted interventions, stakeholders can work together to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all members of the community.

Only through collective action can domestic violence be effectively mitigated, ensuring that every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, can live free from fear and harm.

[1] https://aifs.gov.au/resources/practice-guides/intimate-partner-violence-lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-intersex-and-queer

An excellent outcome

June is PRIDE month, prompting us to ask: Why aren’t LGBTQIA+ people sufficiently recognised in the justice system?

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique challenges when seeking support and protection from domestic violence. Fear of discrimination or disbelief from authorities and service providers can deter them from seeking help, and they often must navigate a system that fails to inclusively recognise them, denying them the support they need.

A powerful example of overcoming these barriers is the work of our Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SYD WDVCAS) LGBTQIA+ Focus worker, Arianna*. She achieved an excellent outcome for our client Joanna*, who wanted to make a Victim Impact Statement at a sentencing hearing. Victim Impact Statements are not well understood and are infrequently seen in our Local Courts.

From the outset, Arianna supported and advocated for Joanna, ensuring her wishes were met. Arianna contacted the Prosecutor directly before the hearing, finding them more positive. With their support, our client Joanna was able to write a statement and attend the hearing.

While going to the police can be traumatic, LGBTQIA+ individuals often face the added stress of their cases not being categorised as domestic violence due to insufficient support within the system. However, in this instance, the Magistrate was receptive and encouraging. The court was closed so Joanna could explain the personal impact of the crime without public observers. Joanna’s wishes were respectfully heard, and the Magistrate thanked her for her statement.

Arianna shared afterward that Joanna felt listened to and found the experience positive and affirming.

This story underscores the importance of inclusive recognition and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the justice system, particularly in cases of domestic violence.

*Names changed to protect privacy

Committed to Reconciliation

As part of our ongoing efforts, we are proud to recognise and commemorate significant dates such as National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and NAIDOC Week, which hold profound symbolic importance for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

National Reconciliation Week, celebrated from May 27 to June 3, and NAIDOC Week, held in the first week of July, are pivotal moments for reflection and action towards reconciliation. These dates remind us of the importance of acknowledging the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and they challenge us to actively engage in creating a more inclusive and just society.

In line with our commitment, JSC has submitted the second round of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to Reconciliation Australia for review. This plan outlines our strategic vision and actions to foster strong relationships, respect, and opportunities within the communities we serve.

To commemorate National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, we recently held an internal "Lunch and Learn" session for our staff. This event featured discussions on the differences between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country, providing our team with valuable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of these important cultural protocols. The session also included a Q&A segment, allowing staff to engage directly and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.

As part of our NRW activities, we organised a collaborative collage project. Staff members used paint on our hands to create a symbolic artwork. This collective effort, accompanied by a Welcome to Country, a listening session, scones and jam, the sounds of Didgeridoo music and the scent of eucalyptus represented our individual and organisational commitment to reconciliation and unity.

We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples often face significant challenges in accessing justice and achieving recognition within the legal system. JSC remains dedicated to addressing these challenges and working towards a future where justice is accessible to all. We believe that through our RAP and ongoing initiatives, we can make meaningful progress in supporting the rights and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Legal information sessions

Justice Support Centre’s legal team run information sessions, workshops and webinars to educate community workers and the public about the law and how to get help.

We can provide information sessions on Family Law, Consumer Rights, Dealing with Police, Domestic Violence, Your Rights at Work, Traffic and Driving Offences. We may also be able to tailor a presentation to suit your needs and work with you to arrange interpreters.

"I would like to take the time to say it was lovely meeting you all and having such a beneficial information session! I think its amazing you are able to provide these information sessions to consumers and stakeholders."

Our website has more details. Call our Legal Practice and Community Engagement Manager, Effi Vassiliadis (Monday to Wednesday), on (02) 7255 0407 to discuss your needs.

SWS WDVCAS team wins AIM Award

We are very proud and humbled to have been awarded the Australian International Multicultural Association (AIM) Business award in the NFP sector on Friday 17 May.

Well done to all finalists and thank you to all our supporters.

Congratulations to Maria from the South West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (SWS WDVCAS) team who was the finalist representing us.

Justice Support Centre
featured in ABC Media Article

A day on the frontline of Australia's domestic violence crisis

Our SWS WDVCAS team recently had a journalist from ABC accompany them to Liverpool Court for the day highlighting the important work we do supporting women and children. Thank you to the ABC for this moving and realistic depiction.

You can help end violence

Your support makes a big difference.

Be a champion for women's rights. Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) is serious and widespread in Australia.

One woman is killed every 10 days by an intimate partner. More than two million Australian women have experienced violence by an intimate partner.

Domestic and Family violence has a devastating impact. 

• It is the leading reason for homelessness 
  (40% of people seeking help from homelessness services)
• It puts children at risk of serious harm 
  (it is one of the most commonly reported issue for children at risk of serious harm)
• It contributes an estimated 5.1% of the disease burden in Australian women 18-44 years.

Together, we can rewrite this narrative. Your support matters. We're calling on you to help ensure we can champion the rights of these vulnerable women.

Useful resources

For those experiencing domestic and family violence, numerous resources offer support and guidance. National hotlines like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and websites such as domesticshelters.org provide access to confidential assistance, safety planning tips, and connections to local shelters and services. We have included a few links below which we hope to prove useful.

Justice Support Centre – Fact sheets on Divorce, Domestic and Family Violence, Employment and Your Rights at Work, Fines and Planning Ahead (Wills).

Insight Exchange
Centres on lived expertise of domestic, family and sexualised violence and gives voice to these experiences. Insight Exchange is designed to inform and strengthen social, service and systemic responses to domestic, family and sexualised violence.

13Yarn – Fact Sheets for First Nations Peoples on Domestic and Family Violence, Financial Stress, Giref, Loss, Trauma

Say It Out Loud
Encourages LGBTQI communities to have healthy relationships and get help or support.

Emergency Contact Information
Links to contact numbers for lifeline, Child Protection, Victims Access Line and other contacts.

1800Respect
Confidential information, counselling and support service.