On 7 Aug we welcomed to Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) guest speaker Dorothy Gilmour, President of Rotary Hawthorn and Rotary Safe families. Dorothy gave a very informative and thought-provoking talk about Coercive Control within a family.
Sadly family violence within Australia continues to grow at alarming rates. We all need to recognise what family violence is about and address it.
Rotary Safe Families serves to get communities to understand that family violence is not acceptable in today's world.
Dorothy Gilmour on Coercive Control from Rotary Safe Families
We had an enlightening and enjoyable evening at our recent Rotary meeting at WERN, featuring Dorothy Gilmour's impactful talk on Safe Families. Here are the key takeaways:
- Focus of the Talk:
- Dorothy's presentation centred on the prevention of family and child abuse.
- She emphasised that abuse is irrespective of gender; it can affect anyone and can happen both ways.
- *Core Message:*
- Dorothy highlighted the importance of understanding that abuse can occur in any relationship, regardless of gender. It’s crucial to recognise that both men and women can be victims and perpetrators.
- *3Rs of Safe Families:*
1. Recognise the signs of abuse:
- Learn to identify the subtle and obvious indicators of abuse.
- Understand the behavioural and emotional cues that may suggest someone is experiencing abuse.
2. Raise your concerns:
- Speak up if you suspect abuse.
- Know how to approach the subject sensitively and appropriately with those who may be at risk.
3. Refer support:
- Direct individuals to appropriate resources and support services.
- Ensure that those affected have access to the help they need.
- *Highlights:*
- Dorothy provided powerful and practical guidance on identifying and addressing abuse.
- Her insights were both eye-opening and actionable, equipping attendees with the knowledge to make a real difference.
- The discussion was highly informative and engaging, sparking meaningful conversations among attendees.
- Everyone left with a greater understanding of how to contribute to a safer environment for families and children.
For more detailed information about Safe Families and their initiatives, please visit the Safe Families website: [Safe Families Website](https://rotarysafefamilies.org.au/home).
Thank you to Dorothy Gilmour for your valuable contribution to our meeting, and to all who attended for making it a memorable and informative event.
