Media Release
November 16 2009
Phone-in targets views of parents and kids who leave violent relationships
In
a major phone-in, researchers from the University of South Australia
want to hear from parents and their children who have separated or
divorced since 1995 and who have experienced family violence before,
during and or since the separation.
Funded by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department, the research being undertaken as part of a national project with the UniSA and Monash and James Cook Universities, will examine the impact of family violence on parents’ and children’s experiences of the family law system.
Phone lines in SA will be open on Monday November 23 and Tuesday November 24 from 10am-8pm. Callers can share their experiences by phoning 08 83030961 or toll free 1800 188158 for country callers. All information provided is strictly confidential.
Senior UniSA researcher Associate Professor Dale Bagshaw says the phone-in offers a key avenue for people to share their experiences of the family law system since changes were introduced in 1995 and 2006.
“We are keen to hear from people who experienced violence in their relationship before and or after separation,” Prof Bagshaw said.
“We are hoping to learn more about the expectations separating parents had, the services they have used, the decisions they made, why they made them and their satisfaction with the process.
“We are also very keen to hear the views of children and young people,” Prof Bagshaw said.
“We are hoping children who have been involved in the breakdown of a family where violence was an issue will be able to call in and tell us about their experiences of the family law system and the outcomes for their lives during and since the separation.”
The South Australian phone-in will add to a national online survey of
separated parents and their children which has been running for several
weeks.
Parents and children who would prefer to complete the survey instead of
phoning in can do so online (parents,
children).
The phone in will run in Queensland Monday 23rd November and Tuesday
24th November from 10 am until 8 pm Queensland time. Callers can ring on
07 4721 2888. Mobile and STD calls will be returned promptly or an
alternative time made for return contact.
More information about the survey is available from the researchers
Dale Bagshaw;
Alan Campbell;
Sarah Wendt; or
Elspeth McInnis.
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au