What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses abusive methods to exert power and control over the other. The way perpetrators gain power and control varies, and if not stopped can escalate to physical violence including murder.
Domestic violence is not physical abuse alone. It includes verbal, financial, social, sexual, physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual abuse. The abuse is not a “one off” situation. It is normal to have occasional disagreements within the family setting. However domestic violence occurs on a continual basis.
Where is the domestic violence unit?
Because some perpetrators of domestic violence can use extreme methods of control and may persue their partner, the street addresses of our accommodation units are confidential. We employ various security options for extra protection.
I live next door to a household where there is domestic violence. I am too scared to do anything about it.
You should always do whatever you feel possible and safe for you. For example, telephone police. You could save someone’s life.
Do women deserve to be abused?
No-one deserves to be abused. This includes women, children and men. Most conflicts can be overcome by appropriate methods of communication. Many partners may benefit from participating in various educational courses including – conflict management, communication skills and for some perpetrators, domestic violence workshops (usually held at the Dept. of Corrections in Berri).
I am experiencing domestic violence but the children are safe aren’t they?
Most definitely not! Even very young children can hear, see and sense the abuse. Therefore children are also being abused. Some of the effects of domestic violence on children include – bed wetting, nightmares, asthma, headaches, feeding difficulties, sadness, bullying, shyness, speech problems, depression, problems at school and so on. Some are caught in the crossfire of physical abuse and are injured or murdered.
I don’t need accommodation, but can I still receive some assistance?
Our service also provides support for women who are experiencing domestic violence but do not require accommodation. We can also help arrange transfers to other locations if required.
Why don’t women just leave if her partner is abusive?
There are many reasons and some examples are – no income, fear of being found, fear of murder of herself and children, further threats of violence, harassment at work, promises of change, and threats of suicide.
What is the “Phoenix Network”?
The RDVU was funded by a Federal grants program, Networking the Nation to establish a network of computers with web cams throughout the Riverland region. So far computers have been placed in the Pinnaroo Hospital, Swan Reach Area School, Renmark Paringa Community Centre, Loxcare in Loxton and the Waikerie Community Centre. In the future there may be one in Blanchetown and one in Morgan.
The general public will have access to these computers and will find our web page with information about our service and more information about domestic violence. If women have further queries and they would like to speak to a worker there will be a place on the web page to click on and a web cam session can occur. A worker at the RDVU will answer the call and women’s questions will be answered. The Phoenix Network is available from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. There may be some restrictions to opening times at the various locations.
Are there any rules for staying at the RDVU?
Rules are in place and are based around health and safety issues. The crisis accommodation units are shared by up to six families. Each family have a private bedroom with a key however other rooms and amenities are shared. There is no alcohol or illegal drugs or activities allowed on the property.
Do women have to separate from their partner to use the RDVU?
The RDVU workers offer options for women to choose from. If women
wish to separate from their partner then there are income, housing and
legal options for them to choose. If a woman wishes a temporary break
from her partner, then counselling options for their partner are offered.
Some women just need support to stay in their relationship.
