Media Release
November 22, 2005
UniSA’s Hawke Centre joins the push to stamp out family violence
Amid the bright Christmas decorations, some people will wear simple white ribbons on Friday in an effort to raise awareness of domestic violence.
Also marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, UniSA’s Hawke Centre together with UniFEM will hold a seminar on Thursday November 24 entitled Short Fuse: Realities and solutions in family violence, which will explore the issue of violence perpetrated by men against women and their children.
Convener of the National Council of Single Mothers and their Children, deputy president of the Australian Council of Social Service and UniSA researcher, Dr Elspeth McInnes, will speak on how the family law system fails to protect mothers and children on from post-separation violence.
“Domestic violence is a significant health risk facing women aged 15-44 in contemporary Australian society and a major contributor to family breakdown,” Dr McInnes said.
“The expectation that women can ‘just leave' violent partners discounts the power of the family law system in ensuring that mothers and children continue to have a relationship with their abuser.
“Family law judges are typically dismissive of state domestic violence orders as being ‘unreliable’ and ‘too easy to obtain’ and in any case, frequently decide that contact with a parent who uses violence on family members is in the child’s best interests."
Alongside Dr McInnes, Rob Hall from Nada Consultancy and Training, and Dallas Colley from Domestic Violence Training and Consulting, will explain their teaching approach that aims to reduce domestic violence and improve the safety, wellbeing and status of women and children.
The seminar costs $5 which includes a white ribbon, payable at the door.
Bookings are essential, contact (08) 8302 0215 or register online at www.hawkecentre.unisa.edu.au/events/lectures/UNIFEM_registration.htm
The seminar will be held at the Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett Street, Adelaide, 5.15 for a 5.30pm start.
Contact for Interviews
- Elizabeth Ho office (08) 8302 0651 email elizabeth.ho@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Louise Carnell office (08) 8302 0371 email louise.carnell@unisa.edu.au
- Elizabeth Archer office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0417 718 051 email elizabeth.archer@unisa.edu.au