By Bronwyn Hastings

Horsham’s community showed its stance on family violence with a walk through its main street in Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence’s annual walk and ceremony on Monday.

The event recognised 716 reported incidents of family violence at Horsham, 106,426 across the state, and more than 250,000 nationally. 

WCAFV president Geoff Miller introduced guests Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss, Allied Justice’s Emily Nester, advocate Simone O’Brien, The Orange Door’s Renee Clarkson, and Victoria Police’s Mitch Gallop, who spoke from their personal and professional perspectives.

During the ceremony, Mr Miller acknowledged the impact of family violence on individuals, families and communities, and also acknowledged those who provided support services to family violence survivors.

“Tonight, we will remember those who have died as a result of family violence, highlight the impacts and costs, and very importantly, show our support to those who are experiencing family violence,” he said.

“It is not an issue confined to a particular group, race, religion, or income level. It’s something which affects us all. 

“It’s entirely preventable and has no place in our society.”

Cr Klowss said Horsham’s walk was one of hundreds across the country during domestic and family violence prevention month. 

“The statistics are horrifying,” he said. 

“About one in four women in Australia have experienced violence by an intimate partner; that rises to almost one in two in regional Victoria, and children are present in one in three of those incidents that are attended by the police.” 

Cr Klowss said WCAFV was dedicated to raising awareness of ‘this terrible stain on our community’.

“WCAFV is also instigating positive change through its work with survivors, support agencies, and even the perpetrators,” he said. 

“Some people brought up in a violent or abusive household are at risk of repeating that abuse, others may have mental health or other issues impacting their behaviour. 

“None of this is an excuse for violence, but it does point to the complexity of its causes, and how sometimes both the victim and perpetrator need help.” 

Ms Clarkson, The Orange Door’s child protection program’s team manager, has worked in the field for almost two decades.

“When we speak about family violence, we often centre on adult experiences – and rightly so, because the impact is so profound,” she said. 

“But in doing so, we can unintentionally overlook the children who are living within these environments every day, children who may not have the language to explain what’s happening, children who may not even realise that what they are experiencing is family violence, but they feel it deeply. 

“The tension that sits in a room, the unspoken rules of the house, the way a parent, usually their mother, might change her behaviours to keep the peace, to avoid escalation, to protect herself and her children.”

Ms Clarkson said a child living with family violence does not just witness it, they experience it. 

“It shapes how safe they feel in their own home, it affects how they learn, how they form relationships and how they see themselves and the world around them,” she said.

“For some children, home is not a place of comfort. It is unpredictable, and it is tense. 

“It is where they learn to read the mood instead of books, to listen for footsteps instead of laughter, to stay quiet instead of speaking freely. 

“And yet many of these children remain invisible. They show up to school, to sport, and in our community, they might seem withdrawn or anxious, or sometimes even disruptive. 

“But what we’re seeing is not the problem – it’s a response to what they have lived or are living with every day.”

Ms Clarkson said listening to children did not always mean hearing the words, sometimes it meant noticing their changes in behaviour, and being prepared to create a safe space for the child.

“When a child has even one safe, consistent, caring adult in their life, it can make a profound difference,” she said.

“A teacher, a coach, a neighbour, a family member, someone who sees them, who listens, and who believes them, that connection can be the turning point. 

“Let’s commit to noticing them, let’s commit to listening to them, and more importantly, let’s commit to acting, so that every child can grow up in a home where they feel safe, valued and heard. 

“Every child deserves more than to just be protected from harm, they deserve the chance to thrive.”

Horsham Police’s Family Violence Unit’s Sergeant Gallop said family violence was not a private nor hidden issue, but a community issue.

“Family violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds and communities. It impacts women, men and children,” he said.

“It leaves lasting, emotional, psychological and physical harm. But most importantly it is preventable, and it is never acceptable.”

Sergeant Gallop said one of Victoria Police’s highest priorities was responding to family violence.

“Every report is taken seriously, every call for help matters,” he said.

“We are committed to holding respondents accountable, and just as importantly, to support our victims with respect, compassion and dignity. 

“But policing alone cannot solve this issue – prevention starts in our homes, our schools, our workplaces and in the attitudes we model every day. 

“It begins with teaching, respect, equality and healthy relationships. 

“It continues when we speak up, when we check in on someone we’re connected to, and when we support those who find the courage to come forward. 

“To anyone experiencing family violence, you’re not alone. Help is available. You’ll be heard and you deserve to feel safe.” 

• People who need help can call support services including: 1800 RESPECT – or 1800 737 732; Grampians Community Health on 5358 7400; or the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre on 5381 1211.

People in immediate danger should call triple zero.

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