Domestic violence charity says support needs will rise in the wake of COVID-19

As Coronavirus continues to grip the nation the risks posed to women and children already experiencing domestic violence is amplified, often triggering an increase in the severity of the existing violence.

Economic uncertainty, unemployment, drug and alcohol consumption and physical and mental health concerns are all contributing factors that may cause violence to increase.

Violence against women is  driven largely by gender inequality, where the hyper-masculine need for power and control and societal pressure causes rigid gender roles within the family unit.

When there is disruption to these existing stereotypes, there is an increase of violence against women.

Being forced to stay home during periods of lockdown increases these risks considerably and research has revealed up to a 400 per cent rise in women seeking refuge from a violent partner after a disaster (Hawker, 2015).

For this reason, RizeUp Australia is launching the #change5000 campaign, a dynamic, cost effective way for everyday Australians to reclaim their sense of control in these uncertain times.

The #change5000 campaign aims to secure the support of 5000 Australians to each donate $2 a week to make these uncertain times a little more secure for women and children who suffer from domestic violence. With just 5000 people committing $2 to the campaign, we will be able to continue RizeUp  Australia’s vital programs for the next 12 months.

For one in four women, social isolation and Government enforced lockdown measures means being  locked in with an abusive partner with no way to escape, as financial and emotional pressures take their toll, Australian women are at a greater risk now more than ever.

As a society we are being urged to remain in our homes but imagine how terrifying that must be for someone whose home is a dangerous place to be. A victim’s trauma is being compounded by the threat of the pandemic along with the threat of living in a confined space with a violent partner or family member.

Perpetrators may adopt isolation behaviours and inflict fear of the Coronavirus pandemic as a guise to further isolate women from their family as a means of gaining control. Threatening to evict women and or children from their home which could result in separation is equally as terrifying as being trapped inside. Some perpetrators will even withhold money and medication from their victims.

Australia has already seen a significant spike in calls for support from family and domestic violence as women are becoming increasingly frightened and worried for their safety and their children’s safety while in isolation.

Under these circumstances, it is very difficult for women to call for support or safely reach out for assistance as isolation sees them being more closely monitored in a confined space than before and feeling as though they have been cut off from the support networks of their family and friends.

For those who are concerned for their welfare during this time, it’s important to stay connected to family and friends using FaceTime, and always keep phones charged. Women are advised to have a mental safety plan in place and, if children are involved or in the home, making sure there are familiar ‘safe words’ and ‘safe areas’ in the house where they can seek refuge while teaching them how to use a phone and call 000 should a safe word be activated.

Not all women can easily remove themselves from family and domestic violence, there are multiple fear factors that come into place including; loss of financial security, unknown location and living arrangements, fear of the unknown and exposure, child separation and the inability to care for children against the virus.

As a society, it is imperative that we communicate with women who disclose any unrest with reassurance they are believed, and we are here to help, some of these women may be experiencing violence from the hands of their intimate partner for the first time. I’m urging Australians to communicate with friends, family and neighbours and offer support to victims.

At RizeUp Australia, we support affected families with a range of programs to enable women and children to safely escape the traumas of domestic and family violence. Due to the suspension of fundraising events, no government funding and limited volunteer support now available, we need the help of Australians more than ever to ensure we keep helping those who are at risk during this time.

Nicolle Edwards

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Nicolle Edwards is the founder and director of RizeUp, a charity that provides practical support to families fleeing domestic violence. A natural leader, Nicolle is generous, direct, warm, engaging and supportive. With a sales and marketing background, Nicolle’s passion for charity work began approximately five years ago after assisting a friend of a friend set up house after leaving a violent relationship.

This injustice sparked a fire in Nicolle and she realized that this support should be made available to all families trying to leave the violence behind and hence her charity career began. Nicolle’s successful journey has been recognized by the community and as a result she is an accomplished TEDx speaker and a Commonwealth Games 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay bearer.

Nicolle currently manages over 280 volunteers and is resolute in growing RizeUp into a national charity. Nicolle’s determination, charisma and know-how will see RizeUp become the household name synonymous with breaking the cycle and Australia’s answer for creating hope for families affected by domestic and family violence.

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