Halo Project’s Post

📢 "Family court judges are in desperate need of domestic abuse training. Without it, they will continue to be part of ongoing abuse by allowing perpetrators to drag survivors through the courts and ordering contact at all costs." - Survivor, supported by Halo Project. Urgent reforms to the family court system are needed to ensure the safety of survivors and their children. Family courts often retraumatise survivors and judges and magistrates often lack a proper understanding of domestic abuse, placing women and children at risk. This is felt especially sharply by the most marginalised victims and survivors, black and minoritised women, who already face additional barriers within these systems. Join us in advocating for change and support our mission to protect survivors and educate professionals. #FamilyCourtReform #SupportSurvivors

The experience of domestic and family violence can affect so many aspects of a victim/survivor’s life, including their physical health and safety, mental health, housing, employment and financial stability. We strongly support the Missing and murdered First Nations women and children inquiry's recommendations, especially for the government to develop a sustainable #funding mechanism for ongoing support services for First Nations people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. https://lnkd.in/gNSWP9VQ #FirstNations #HealthJustice

🧡 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence 🧡 Day 6 Resource: 📖 "Substance Use and Domestic Abuse Pocket Guide" – A helpful resource for understanding the link between substance use and domestic abuse, and how social workers can provide effective support. 👉 Access the guide here: https://buff.ly/4fxXSKi Let’s continue to build awareness and provide the tools needed to support survivors. 💪 #16DaysOfAction

This report for Human Rights for Kids has been over a year in the making, and I believe its findings should be a must read to anyone who want to talk about kids and the justice system. Unheard: The Epidemic of Severe Trauma Among Girls Tried as Adults details nearly universal severe trauma among women in the adult prison system who committed their offense as girls, including 92% reporting emotional abuse and 84% reporting physical and sexual abuse. If we seek to care about victims of abuse and trauma, we must turn our attention to the justice system, because that is where they end up when our existing systems fail to catch them. https://lnkd.in/eSmHxrH5

Surviving domestic violence is an immense feat, but for many women, it's only the beginning. The fight with CPS often forces them to co-parent with abusers, which can end up leading to more incidents and the loss of custody of their children. Insufficient systemic/social support and vexatious litigation further exacerbate the situation. The system often fails to hold abusers accountable, causing immense distress for both mothers and children. Supervised visits require funding, which is often lacking. We must recognize the impact of these systems and work towards creating a more accountable and supportive environment for families in crisis. Let's join together to demand change and work towards a brighter future. #JusticeforMarcello #StopViolenceAgainstWomen

I'm relieved we're finally expanding the conversation on domestic and family violence (DFV). For nearly a decade, I've advocated for a broader perspective, but it's been frustrating to see the narrative pushed in one direction. I was vilified by many in the DFV sector for holding these opinions, which eventually led me to take a sabbatical from my work with DFV for three years from 2021. While my views may be unpopular, the reality is that countless women and children have suffered because we've overlooked critical aspects of this issue. In my opinion, we must recognise the profound impact that child abuse and trauma have on both victims and perpetrators. Shaming young men who have experienced abuse is not the solution. Instead, we need to foster a conversation that encourages them to speak out and ensures they receive the support they need. It's time to address DFV from multiple angles, focusing on real prevention and support. We owe it to the countless women, children, and families affected to stop blindly agreeing with a one-sided narrative. #DFV #DomesticViolence #FamilyViolence #TraumaInformed #ChildAbuseAwareness #MensMentalHealth #SupportSurvivors #Prevention #EndTheStigma #ChangeTheNarrative #ProtectOurChildren

We are in the midst of a crisis of justice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. With a growing backlog of cases, long waiting times to reach trial, and the majority of instances not being reported in the first place, it is urgently clear that something needs to be done. Restorative Justice can help. The person-centred nature of Restorative Justice means that it puts survivors at the heart of the process, asking them what they need and exploring how they can be supported to get it. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dMb35jDg

The Myth of Perpetrator Accountability in Domestic Violence Cases 🚨 For decades, we've relied on arrests and court-mandated programs to hold domestic violence perpetrators accountable. But is this approach really working, especially when it comes to protecting children and supporting survivors as parents? 🤔 After years in this field, I've realized our current methods often fall short. We focus on punitive measures, ignoring the perpetrator's role as a parent and the full spectrum of harm caused to families. 💡 True accountability needs to go beyond the criminal justice system. It should encompass: -Real behavior change -Reparations -Addressing the impact on children and partners 🔄 We need to expand our approach to include: -Child protection services -Family courts -Community interventions 🗣️ Most importantly, we must center the voices of survivors. What do they say will actually make their situation better? Often, it's not just about punishment, but about creating safety and stability for their families. 🌟 To create meaningful change, we need to reimagine accountability. It's time to move beyond the myth that arrests alone solve the problem and develop comprehensive strategies that truly serve families impacted by domestic violence. 💬 What are your thoughts on how we can improve our approach to perpetrator accountability? #DomesticViolence #ChildSafety #SystemsChange 📚 For a deeper dive into this topic and more, check out my new book "Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers: How to Transform the Way We Keep Children Safe from Domestic Violence" https://mybook.to/mK39V

2 in 5 Australian children experience exposure to domestic violence (Australian Child Maltreatment Study 2023). Every year we work with men, women and children who have experienced Family Violence, now more than ever we need to break the silence and stop the violence. Together, we can end the abuse. #FamilyLifeAu