Domestic Violence in Australia:
Until last month I thought Indians who come to Australia are all well educated and they come here for better life. But I was shocked when I received a message from one of the members of the Indian community in Australia Facebook page. It was about domestic violence. It rarely happens but the hard truth is domestic violence still happens in the Indian community in Australia. Some people think their wife is their property and they can do whatever they like with her.
The message I received was “I am a member of the Indian community in Australia. Please help me. My husband is harassing me physically and mentally. He is threating to take me away from my baby through social Welfare. Please help me and take me and my baby away from here. My address is ABCD.”
She was new to Australia and she did not know anyone. She was not sure what to do so she sent me this message. She wanted the safety of her and her baby. I obviously cannot go to her house and take her away so I advised her to call Police on 000 and ask for help. Next day she sent me a message saying police have helped her and she is safe now.
Well, I do not want to go much in details what exactly happened and where she is now and what she did but I want to share some tips so if you are new in Australia and in this type of situation you know what to do.
What to do to stop Domestic Violence:
– If you are victim of domestic violence call police on 000 and ask for help
– Don’t ignore, If it has happened once there is strong possibility it will happen again
– Believe in yourself
– Know your rights
1800RESPECT is the national family violence counseling service. You can call this free confidential service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 1800 737 732.
Type of domestic violence:
– Physical Abuse
– Emotional Abuse
– Economic Abuse
– Social Abuse
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