The Hon Stephen Jones MP
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Financial Services
Member Whitlam
MEDIA RELEASE
A powerful documentary filmed in the Illawarra, which provides an insight into the recovery and healing journeys of victim survivors of domestic, family and sexual abuse will debut in Parliament House today.
Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones and the Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery Alliance will officially launch the Recovery and Healing documentary, which was filmed during the inaugural Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery and Healing Conference in Wollongong in May 2023.
Government Ministers, Members of State and Federal Parliament & Senators, people with lived experience and expertise of domestic, family and sexual violence, service providers and policy makers, researchers, sector consultants and other esteemed guests will attend the premiere in Canberra.
Importantly, the documentary shares personal stories and professional understanding of victim survivor recovery and healing and shines a light on the ongoing perpetration of violence within the community and by the systems that are meant to provide support. It also advocates for national investment in recovery and healing services and opportunities for all communities, and a future free from violence.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Financial Services and Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones:
“I'm proud to have secured $25 million in Commonwealth funding over a period of 5 years to the Illawarra Women's Health Centre to establish the new Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre – which is the first in Australia.
“This new documentary shines a spotlight on a really important issue through the sharing of personal stories. As outlined in our National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, recovery and healing are crucial to help to break the cycle of violence.
“Our Government also provided $20,000 in funding for ‘The Right to Recovery’ Conference in Wollongong last year, which highlighted the importance of trauma recovery and safe healing strategies to end gender-based violence in Australia.
“The Albanese Government is committed to our goal to end violence against women and children within one generation. That’s why we’re taking immediate and practical steps to support victims of family and domestic violence. That includes our record $2.3 billion investment in this area.”
Quotes attributable to Sally Stevenson AM, Executive Director Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, founding Alliance member:
“The victim survivor journey towards recovery and healing is highly personal and not linear as they navigate the many obstacles towards taking back control of their lives, healing and living a life free from violence.
“This includes ensuring fundamental and wide-ranging change is made to financial, legal, social and government systems that at times not only prevent healing but can perpetrate further trauma and abuse, or be used by perpetrators to prolong, deepen and expand their abuse.
“These stories and this knowledge are shared in a bid to change society’s perception of and reshape attitudes towards the broad and deep traumatic impact of domestic, family and sexual violence. By listening to these women, we can implement ways to improve the potential of victim survivors so everyone in society benefits.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
