Pop In Newsletter September 2024
Dear Friend and Supporter,
You may have seen or heard in the news about the release of a significant piece of research by the Australian Institute of Criminology. The study, titled "Prevalence of Recorded Family and Domestic Violence Offending: A Birth Cohort Study," was conducted by Professor Jason Payne, Director of the Griffith Criminology Institute, and Anthony Morgan, Research Manager at the Australian Institute of Criminology.
The study examined population cohorts born in 1984, 1994 and 2004 and analysed instances where the NSW police force had taken any sort of legal action against a person, including a referral to court, criminal infringement notices, cautions and other infringement notices.
Some of the key research insights include:
● Estimates that 6.3 percent of people born in New South Wales have had legal action proceeded against them by police for a family and domestic violence offence by age 37.
● The rate was significantly higher for men: 9.6 percent of men (one in 10) had been proceeded against for a family and domestic violence offence, compared with 3.0 percent of women (one in 33)
● 1.2 percent of people born in New South Wales were responsible for more than 50 percent of recorded family and domestic violence offences.
This is the first estimate of the prevalence of recorded family and domestic violence offences in a population sample in Australia. Part of the reason this is a country-first study is that most states and territories have only been flagging domestic violence-related crimes for a few decades – in NSW’s case since 1997.
This is an important step towards increasing the visibility of family and domestic violence perpetrators and contributes to the continuing conversation across the states and territories on the national strategy.
Here at Pop In, we are using this data to inform the development of community awareness and education programs as well as advocating for greater support for victims of domestic violence and abuse when entering the court systems.
If you would like to read the research click here.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
An interview with a Case Manager
Working in a domestic violence support service can be challenging and rewarding. This month, we sat down with one of our case workers and chatted about the role, Pop In, and working with highly vulnerable women. Given the nature of our work, this interview is anonymised.
1. How long have you worked in this sector?
I’ve been working in the community service sector for over 14 years.
2. What is the most challenging aspect of your work with women and children navigating domestic violence and abuse?
I think it’s when a woman isn’t ready to leave an abusive partner. That can be hard, particularly as I get to understand her situation more. I understand the importance of a client to working through at her own pace. I want to give hope to my clients and help them see their choices and value.
The most challenging aspect is when a woman has bruising from an assault. That really does affect me deeply. This is when I wish I had a magic wand that could remove all violence from their life.
3. I understand that it can take up to 7 attempts to leave a domestic violence situation - what are the barriers for individuals to leaving?
Usually, they are too scared. They fear repercussions and escalations of violence because the abusive partner has made them believe things like, they will have no money, they will look crazy and won’t see their kids ever again.
There may be several reasons why she’s not ready to leave. They could be to do with money, the children and their care, or their confidence has been damaged, or, in some cases, the fear of the consequences of leaving. It is quite common for the user of violence to intensify abuse, power and control if they become aware of the woman planning to leave, or after they leave.
My role is to walk with and to help her to move to a safe place, to be here if or when she is ready to leave, and to help ensure that she has a plan for when that day comes that is achievable and safe.
4. What does an average day look like for you?
At Pop In we are open from 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday, and as the name suggests, women and children navigating domestic violence can drop in at any time. So, I’m first and foremost available to support those clients.
I check and reply to emails and texts, and answer calls from clients and stakeholders. This part of my role is important because it includes advocacy, increases connection to community and ensures a collaborative approach and increases the woman’s support network. The most important part of my day is seeing clients, building trust, assisting them to identifying goals and developing case plans, as well as catching up with them to ensure that they have the support they need for wherever they are on their journey.
Another important piece is writing case notes to reflect the client sessions, completing support letters to advocate for Centrelink or Housing, submitting applications for things like Escaping Violence Payment and sending referrals for other suitable support that is in line with client goals, for example to the Legal Aid DV Unit.
Throughout my day I mindfully take a break away from the centre. I do this to keep my self grounded and a part of self-care.
5. At the end of a hard day, dealing with some challenging situations - who do you talk to?
Yes, every day is a challenge because hearing about abuse and violence can be very difficult, even after 14 years. Fortunately, working with very caring and supportive colleagues helps, and we have what is known as “external supervision”. This is a formal arrangement that is provided by Pop In that helps with debriefing and decreases the chance of burn out.
6. Pop In stands alone in being philanthropically funded: what do you see as the advantages of this model?
Being philanthropically funded is a huge advantage for clients. It means that the client doesn’t have a time restriction and I can work with them for as long as they want the support. I can work with the client at their pace, ensuring a more client centred and therapeutic response.
This approach means I can ensure that I’m focusing on the whole of the client and supporting them to move forward.
Kindness Connects
I recently attended the launch of Kindness Connects at The Theatrette at the Moss Vale Civic Centre.
One of Pop In’s core values is kindness, dignity, and respect. We welcome all women and children who come to us with respect, kindness, and in a non-judgemental way, irrespective of income, status and background. So, I was so thrilled to hear of this initiative being undertaken by the Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The launch featured internationally renowned keynote speaker Kath Koschel, founder of The Kindness Factory. Attendees were captivated by her inspiring message and left equipped with practical tools to spread kindness in their communities.
Kindness Connects aims to foster a culture of kindness and positivity within the Southern Highlands community by encouraging residents to embrace kindness, build stronger connections, and contribute to a more compassionate and supportive environment.
Join the Kindness Movement!
● Share your kindness stories: Click Here and share your acts of kindness.
● Download the Kindness How-to Kit: Get inspired and learn how to spread kindness in your community.
● Get involved: Participate in upcoming Kindness Connects events and initiatives.
The initiative includes various activities and events, with the goal of completing 1000 acts of kindness as a community by World Kindness Day on November 13th.
Can you help?
We have an amazing art project coming up towards the end of the year, and we need some help! If you are available in early October to help us prepare some furniture items for painting, then please email us at volunteering@popin.org.au
Save the date!
Pop In Golf Day 2025
The 3rd Annual Pop In Golf Day is confirmed! On March 9th 2025, players will tee off at the Bowral Golf Club for 18 holes, a chance to win prizes and trophies, plus support women and children navigating domestic violence.
For more information, and to register your interest please visit www.popin.org.au/golfday2025
Public Holiday Closure - 07th October 2024
Pop In will be closed for the public holiday 7th October. If it is an emergency please call 000 Alternatively, email us at office@popin.org.au and we’ll respond as soon as we return to the office.