This presentation will report on the preliminary findings of the ‘Nurturing Non-Violence’ study conducted with professionals in government and non-government services in New South Wales.   A component of the study involved exploring how practitioners have responded to the challenges presented by COVID 19 in their practice with families experiencing domestic and family violence.  A major finding of the study was that despite the significant challenges posed by the global pandemic and health responses, many practitioners have developed creative ways to support survivors and increase the accountability of men who use violence and control in their intimate partner relationships.

A woman threatened to leave a male partner so he killed her dog.’ – DV worker

Perpetrators use domestic violence against animals to exert power and control and to harm animals and people, including children. When their animals are harmed, people experience distress, trauma, grief, shame, guilt, fear, anxiety and depression. The psychological impacts can be lifelong.

In July 2020, Domestic Violence NSW surveyed over 100 DV and community organisations on the issue of animals and people experiencing DFV. Nine in ten respondents stated clients had disclosed violence against their animals and more than half stated clients had disclosed their animal or animals had been killed. Over forty percent of respondents stated clients had delayed leaving a perpetrator for more than a year due to barriers to accessing support related to their animals.

This presentation will provide an overview of key findings from the DVNSW survey, current system and service gaps, and opportunities for law, policy, program and practice changes in NSW to ensure the safety and wellbeing of animals and people experiencing domestic and family violence.

Many multicultural communities are faith based and seek support from their religious and community leaders before accessing the justice system or any other government agency.

Recognising that religious and community leaders are often first points of contact for communities seeking support and guidance for the sensitive matter of DFV, it is crucial that religious and community leaders are skilled with the right information to make appropriate referrals and respond effectively to families exposed to violence. Outcomes for families impacted by violence can be catastrophic if the right information and support is not provided.

With this in mind, the Diversity Services team from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice have implemented a number of half day DFV seminars across NSW with a strong Justice focus. Leaders leave the seminar up-skilled in the latest DFV law and justice information; understanding that a leader’s role does not include provision of any legal or counselling advice outside of their spiritual/religious role; impact of DFV on children; AVOs; police process; and with a resource that supports information delivered during the event.

This paper will present the Department’s journey working with religious leaders including:
• Challenges
• The process including consultation, community engagement, collaboration with stakeholders and delivery of the project
• Evaluations and statistics
• Religious leaders and DFV
• How to avoid culture and religion clashing with the system
• Seminar & resource content
• Training Accreditation Process

Shame is the demoralising state of believing one is worthless, unlovable, incapable etc. It is an experience that is common for those who have suffered from domestic abuse and it often leaves a person feeling, hopeless, helpless and stuck. Effectively reducing shame is essential for healing but it is very difficult to achieve because people try to hide from their shame as it is so emotionally painful. In this presentation I will seek to assist participants understand the nature of shame, how it arises, its impact on people’s lives and ways to therapeutically address it.