Pop In Newsletter July 2024
Dear Supporter and Friend,
I hope this message finds you well. As we enter the new financial year, I am pleased to share an important update from the NSW Government: coercive control is now recognised as a criminal offence. This represents a significant step forward in how we address patterns of abuse—both physical and psychological—that can deeply impact individuals in relationships.
Under this new legislation, coercive control is defined as a systematic exertion of power over another person within intimate relationships. This type of abuse extends beyond physical harm to include tactics such as isolation, humiliation, harassment, and psychological manipulation. While these behaviours may seem subtle on their own, their cumulative effect can be profound and long-lasting.
It's crucial to understand that coercive control can occur in any relationship context, whether between casual partners, in serious relationships, or even among separated couples, and it always leaves a damaging impact.
At its core, coercive control is about instilling fear, eroding autonomy, and restricting freedom through various means, including, in some cases, physical and sexual violence. Each situation is unique as abusers adapt their tactics to their circumstances.
Regardless of the relationship type—whether intimate, familial, or caregiving—coercive control is unequivocally harmful. If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control and would like to talk to someone about it, our team at Pop In is here to support you.
Alternatively, you can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) to explore available options. Additionally, the Men’s Referral Service provides confidential support at 1300 766 491 for men who are concerned about their behaviour.
Next month I am meeting with The Hon. Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women, Seniors and for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. At that meeting, the new coercive control laws are only one of the several matters I’ll be raising with her on behalf of our community. I look forward to sharing with you the outcomes of that meeting in our next newsletter.
In the meantime, thank you sincerely for your ongoing support of our work helping women and children navigating domestic violence and enabling the Southern Highlands community to say “NO” to domestic violence and abuse.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
New coercive control laws
For further information and a range of explainer videos visit the NSW Government website and search coercive control or click on the button below.
Wagga to host first ever Men's Leadership Forum against domestic violence
Region Riverina advise that Wagga Wagga will become the first council in NSW to hold a Men’s Leadership Forum to help address and reduce the growing number of cases of domestic violence.
In response to community demand, the forum, organised by the Wagga Women’s Health Centre, will rally male community leaders to discuss ways to prevent, and educate men of the community about, domestic and family violence.
Facilitated by trauma and domestic and family violence specialists, the forum is designed to create a community action plan to engage men in providing solutions to family and domestic violence in the region.
The Wagga Women’s Health Centre has organised the forum following conversations with men after the “No More” rally the centre organised in April.
The one-day event will take place on Friday 26 July in Oura. The event will create a safe space for up to 150 male leaders from across the community to discuss the challenges, dispel myths and determine tangible actions men can take in their respective leadership positions to orchestrate change.
“As the first of its kind in Australia, people will be watching and as members of the Wagga community we need to get up, wrap our arms around those who are suffering and say enough is enough.” Wagga Women’s Health Centre president Vicki Burkinshaw.
We'll be watching the event and it's outcomes very closely with the aim of introducing something similar in Wingecarribee in the near future.
Michele Lanigan - Manager
Matched Gift Campaign Ends 30th June, 2024
We asked and you responded with overwhelming support! We are so grateful to the Community for the $138,000 raised in our Matched Gift Campaign. Our matched gift partners have met their commitment of $100,000 which brings the total amount to $238,000!
This will go directly to front line services ensuring we can continue to meet the demands from the Community over the coming 12mths and beyond.
The cost per ticket is $28 and includes a glass of wine from Dawning Day Farms plus a chance to win a Wine Tasting for two with local produce board valued at $85! Refreshments from 6.30pm, just before the show. Tickets can be purchased direct via the Empire Cinema online (via the link below) and they are already selling fast!
All proceeds go to Pop In, and there will also be an opportunity for gold coin donation before the movie. We would be grateful if you could extend this invitation to family and friends to support this essential local service.