inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

Happy Diwali from all of us at inTouch! Diwali reminds us of light overcoming darkness, a message that resonates in our work to support migrant and refugee communities impacted by family violence. Wishing a bright and beautiful Diwali to everyone celebrating! ✨

A hero, courageous, a survivor. Gisèle Pelicot continues to make headlines as she publicly navigates the rape trial against her husband and more than 50 other men. She has chosen to defiantly remind the world that the decision to use violence lies solely with those who perpetrate it. Her choice to insist on a public trial to urge societal change and stand in solidarity with other victim-survivors has sparked conversations and protests globally and in her home country of France, where changes to consent laws are being discussed. Gisèle's story is a reminder to challenge discourse that blames victims, that suggests violence is only perpetrated by strangers and not loved ones. It's a reminder that violence is driven by harmful ideas about who holds power. And it's a reminder that shame and responsibility for sexual violence must lie solely with those who perpetrate it. [Alt: Gisèle Pelicot in sunglasses. A light pink text box, with an orange frame containing orange and dark green text reads: "It's not for us to have shame - it's for them. It's true that I hear lots of women, and men, who say you're very brave. I say it's not bravery, it's will and determination to changes society." - Gisèle Pelicot]

Solving the problem of family violence isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. Family violence occurs across every culture and community, and so must prevention and response. That's why funding specialised services, like our Women's Legal Centre, is so essential. We work alongside our case managers and our recovery program, providing specialised in-language, in-culture legal and migration support, which takes time- and investment.

I’m attending the 20th Family Law Conference in Perth with colleagues across Australia - family law is changing at a fast pace and looking forward to learning about how these changes will assist my clients, migrant and refugee women, to manage parenting and property issues going forward. Good to hear that funding for women’s legal services will be quarantined under the new A2JP. inTouch Women’s Legal Centre is looking forward to see how this quarantined funding will assist migrant and refugee women and help more women escape family violence. Mark Dreyfus inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence Rasha Abbas Felicity Fast

There's still time to register for our upcoming free, online Welcome to inTouch session on Wednesday. Our bimonthly information sessions provide an opportunity for specialist family violence, community sector and multicultural agency staff to learn about the services that inTouch provides, eligibility criteria and referral pathways. Each session we will explore a different program and project being undertaken within inTouch, followed by a Q&A session. This week, you'll hear from our intake team as well as our recovery programs and inSpire staff. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gNg-KwH6

Last week, we were delighted to attend Eastern Community Legal Centre's Multidisciplinary Practice Forum as part of the Centre’s Integrated Legal Practice – Impact and Influence Project. The professional development day was designed for those in the sector to build skills and support the growth and development of multidisciplinary practice in community legal settings. Wonderful to hear from Hugh de Kretser, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and speakers from Law and Advocacy Centre for Women Ltd, Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, Health Justice Australia, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and more.

Here's one of our incredible trainers, Divvya Sivarajah, presenting at a workshop on respectful relationships last week for Multicultural Women Victoria, alongside Relationships Australia Victoria. Our team is in high demand! But, good news- we have spots available for our free, online Welcome to inTouch training session next week, where you can learn about our work, projects, referral pathways and more. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gNg-KwH6

📣 Join the Walk Against Family Violence on Friday 22 November and help create a future where we are all safe, equal and respected. 🧡 Everyone is welcome to the Walk. If you can’t make it on the day, you can plan an event in your local area or share your thoughts on social media. Make sure you use the hashtags #WAFV2024 #WHYWEWALK Join the Facebook event and find out more information here: https://lnkd.in/gbZRr_Rx

Incremental changes to Australia’s migration system, including expanded family violence provisions, are welcome but insufficient to ensure safety for temporary visa holders facing domestic violence. Research shows these women remain highly vulnerable, and systemic reform is urgently needed. We join the call for bold, whole-of-system change to ensure all temporary visa holders can access essential supports and hold perpetrators accountable. Safety should never depend on visa status. More here from inTouch Board Director, Professor Marie Segrave and Stefani Vasil: https://lnkd.in/gYr-vCnz

On December 4, 2024, inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence will mark four decades of empowering migrant and refugee communities. This special event will bring together government representatives, community leaders, businesses, and the family violence and multicultural sectors. We are seeking expressions of interest from sponsors to help us honour the resilience of multicultural women, celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity, and reflect on the progress made—and the work still ahead—in addressing family violence. Sponsoring this event offers a unique opportunity to align your organisation with the only service of its kind in Australia, supporting community recovery, healing, and independence after family violence. Find out more about the event and what’s on offer here: https://lnkd.in/g5uwPnZM We’d love to hear from you. inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence