Domestic and family violence remains a pressing issue, impacting individuals, families, and communities globally. While many are familiar with physical or emotional abuse, the concept of systemic abuse often goes unrecognised. CORE Community Serviceshas found that 27% of their clients experience systemic abuse. This form of abuse, is often hidden and difficult to identify. It occurs when the perpetrator manipulates legal, government and financial systems to perpetuate abuse.
Recognising the importance of addressing this often overlooked form of abuse, CORE Community Services is proud to host the 8th Annual Domestic and Family Violence Conference, themed “Unveiling Systemic Abuse.” This event, set to take place on 20 November 2024, will bring together experts, advocates, and community members to explore the systemic forms of abuse, foster understanding, and drive meaningful action.
Systemic abuse refers to patterns of control and manipulation that are supported or perpetuated by societal, institutional, or cultural systems. Unlike direct physical violence, systemic abuse can take many forms including financial exploitation, legal manipulation, or institutional biases. These forms of abuse create barriers that make it difficult to escape violence or seek justice.\
· Economic Exploitation: Perpetrators may use financial tools, such as withholding access to bank accounts or leaving victims with debts, to exert control.
· Legal Manipulation: Victim-survivors often face challenges in court systems where perpetrators s exploit custody laws or delay settlements to maintain control.
· Cultural Stigmatisation: Cultural norms and societal biases, such as victim-blaming, can further isolate victim-survivors and discourage them from seeking help.
Systemic abuse is especially prevalent in marginalised communities, where existing societal inequities amplify the challenges faced by victim-survivors. Addressing systemic abuse requires a deep understanding of these nuanced dynamics, making conferences like this one essential for facilitating meaningful change.
The 8th Annual Domestic and Family Violence Conference
The theme for this year’s conference, “Unveiling Systemic Abuse,” reflects the growing need to highlight and address this pervasive issue. Now in its eighth year, the conference has become a key event for advocates, policymakers, and community members working to combat domestic, family, and sexual violence.
Event Details
· Date: 20 November 2024
· Location: Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula NSW 2170
· Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Casula Powerhouse, a cultural hub in South West Sydney, provides an accessible and welcoming venue for this important event. Its unique setting encourages open dialogue and engagement among attendees.
The conference will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers who bring unique perspectives and expertise on systemic abuse and related issues. These keynote presentations will explore the systemic roots of violence and offer solutions for change.
· Topic: Systemic Abuse Today and What Drives Violence Against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women
· Regan Mitchell will examine how systemic factors, such as historical injustices, institutional racism, and economic inequality, perpetuate violence against Indigenous women. By highlighting these challenges, Regan aims to inspire actionable solutions for supporting Indigenous survivors.
· Topic: The Parallels of State-Sanctioned Forms of Violence and Interpersonal Violence
· Amani Haydar will explore how systemic oppression intersects with personal experiences of abuse. Drawing on her expertise, she will illustrate how institutional systems can mirror and reinforce dynamics of power and control.
· Topic: The Impact of Victim-Blaming Narratives on Survivors of Domestic Violence
· Sarah Williams, founder of What Were You Wearing Australia, will discuss how societal attitudes perpetuate victim-blaming and re-traumatise survivors. Her presentation will challenge these narratives and advocate for a more compassionate approach to supporting victim-survivors.
· Topic: From Survivor to Activist: Transforming Trauma into Action
· As a survivor of domestic abuse, Harrison James will share his journey of resilience and transformation. His story highlights the power of activism in creating meaningful change and inspires others to turn their pain into purpose.
A key feature of the conference is the Systemic Abuse Panel Discussion, which will address the financial and legal complexities that victim-survivors often face.
· Economic Control: Victim-survivors frequently face financial abuse, including coerced debts or the withholding of financial resources. Panelists will discuss strategies to combat these tactics and empower survivors economically.
· Legal Challenges: Custody battles, property settlements, and delays in the legal system are common tools of systemic abuse. The panel will explore how to navigate these issues and advocate for systemic reforms.
· Superannuation and Financial Independence: Women, particularly victim–survivors of abuse, often face barriers to securing financial independence. The panel will offer insights into addressing these systemic inequalities.
This session aims to provide attendees with practical tools and resources to support victimsurvivors in overcoming these barriers.
CORE Community Services has been a strong advocate for domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) awareness and prevention. As a founding member of the South West Sydney Domestic Violence Committee (SWSDVC), CORE has worked tirelessly to support survivors and address the systemic roots of abuse.
Through initiatives like the annual conference, CORE has raised awareness, provided critical resources, and fostered collaboration among stakeholders. Their work has been instrumental in driving change and empowering communities to take a stand against DFSV.
This event is organised by the South West Sydney Domestic Violence Committee (SWSDVC), which includes members from CORE Community Services, Bonnies Support Services, and Services Australia. Sponsorship from CORE Community Services and Liverpool City Council ensures the conference’s success and impact.
Collaborative efforts like this are essential for addressing systemic abuse. By bringing together diverse voices and resources, the conference aims to create a unified approach to tackling domestic and family violence.
Systemic abuse is a hidden epidemic that traps victim-survivors in cycles of violence and oppression. It has been found that 27% of CORE’s domestic violence clients who experience systemic abuse represent just a fraction of the broader issue. This conference serves as a platform to:
· Raise Awareness: Educate attendees about the dynamics and impact of systemic abuse.
· Inspire Action: Share stories of resilience and provide actionable strategies for change.
· Foster Collaboration: Bring together stakeholders to create a united front against DFSV.
By addressing systemic abuse, the conference empowers individuals and communities to advocate for justice and equality.
The 8th Annual Domestic and Family Violence Conference invites professionals, survivors, advocates, and community members to join the conversation. This is an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to a movement dedicated to eradicating systemic abuse and its devastating impact.
Be part of this essential event and help drive change in your community. Together, we can unveil the systemic nature of abuse and work toward a future free from violence.
Domestic and family violence remains a pressing issue, impacting individuals, families, and communities globally. While many are familiar with physical
CORE Team with Chris Bowen MP and Dr David Saliba MP aCORE Team with The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister
