Domestic violence might not be the ideal lunchtime topic of conversation, but it was the reason women from all around the region gathered at The Stables for the Mudgee People Against Violence Committee lunch on Wednesday.
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As part of International Women’s Day, MPAV helped raise awareness of domestic violence in the community by holding a get together with members of the public and representatives from various community services.
Alex Turner from Wimlah said the idea of the lunch was to raise awareness of the services that are available for victims of domestic abuse in the region that people may not be aware of.
“There are a lot of service organisations in the Mid-Western region that can help people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence,” she said.
“It’s a way for locals in the community to understand the different services available in the region and how they, or someone they know, can go about accessing those services.”
Those services include Wimlah, Family and Community Services, the Mudgee Police, and the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year was ‘Fighting Challenges’, with many organisations around Australia getting together to advocate and support domestic violence services.
Guest speaker Louise McOrmond-Plummer is a recognised expert on the field of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (IPSV) and has been studying the topic of sexual violence in relationships for the past 20 years. Ms McOrmond-Plummer spoke about the different types of violence that can occur in domestic violence situations including financial, sexual, emotional, mental, social and spiritual abuse as well as discussing her own reasons for getting involved with advocating domestic violence services.
“I deal in a very specific area of expertise - Intimate Partner Sexual Violence - which is just another way for one partner to control the other in an unhealthy relationship,” she said.
Ms McOrmond-Plummer used studies, statistics, legal cases and years of research to explain situations of sexual violence and how they may occur. She also spoke about the services available for women who may be experiencing this type of abuse at the hand of a partner and ways for women to receive the help and support they need.
“We’re thankful Louise agreed to come along and talk to us,” Ms Turner said.
If you or anyone who know is or has experienced domestic violence call Wimlah Specialist Domestic Violence Service on 6372 1422 or drop by on Wednesday morning’s between 11am and 2pm or call the Domestic Service Hotline NSW on 1800 656 463.
