This year’s Oration will be delivered by Jess Hill, Walkley-award winning investigative journalist, author and winner of the 2020 Stella Prize for her book ‘See What You Made Me Do’ that was adapted into an SBS TV series. Family and domestic abuse and violence is a national emergency.
Communication is the most important thing in any relationship in our lives, but when it comes to our closest relationships it really is everything.
“Act like a man.” Man up.” Stop acting like a girl.” “Suck it up, crying’s for girls.” Society has a very narrow expectation of what it is to be a man. It often starts with our little boys- they hear messages like this and very quickly understand that any traits or behaviours that are outside of traditional masculinity are something to be deeply ashamed of.
Coercive Control is extremely damaging to a victim's wellbeing, particularly when it is perpetrated over a long time.
Male Entitlement and Abuse A man’s entitlement plays a significant role in domestic abuse. Perpetrators consider their abusive behaviour to be not only acceptable, but they also believe that it’s justified and that it’s their right and privilege to behave in this way.
Research shows that family violence has long term, detrimental impacts on children. A child does not have to be a direct target of the abuse. Witnessing others being abused has the same impact on a child’s wellbeing and development.
