Domestic and Family Violence in Australia
In Australia, domestic and family violence is the biggest social injustice that we are confronted with. It affects everyone - all races, religions and social classes. Domestic violence is based on an imbalance of power and control. If one partner feels the need to dominate the other, it is significantly more likely a relationship will turn violent.
- One in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them
- 61% of women had children in their care when the violence occurred
- When children are brought up in a house of violence, they have trouble connecting with friends and family and their future is significantly compromised
- Women and men are more likely to experience violence at the hand of men, with around 95% of all victims of violence in Australia reporting a male perpetrator.
RizeUp - what do they do?
Rizeup Australia is a community-driven organisation of passionate men and women, dedicated to supporting the many families affected by domestic and family violence.
RizeUp’s programmes promote women’s independence and decision-making in public life and relationships, which is a key outcome to preventing domestic violence. RizeUp works to shift attitudes, perceptions and challenge societal norms in Australia which have as a by-product created a toxic and unhealthy environment.
The RizeUp mission is to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them the hope and empowerment to move on to a life free from violence.
To do this, they bring communities together, facilitate volunteers, and make real, far reaching and practical contributions to these families.
A family fleeing from a violent household will often enter a refuge with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They have created various programs to support and empower these courageous families via specialist domestic and family violence organisations. When a family leaves a refuge, they furnish their new accommodation with everything they need to make it a home, so they can make a fresh start. They also help impacted children in their healing process and to settle into a new school.
RizeUp work in partnership with specialist services to provide an add-value to the existing support that they offer to families affected by domestic and family violence. RizeUp never meet the families that they support.
RizeUp have created and deliver three main programs:
- Rapid Response Program - RizeUp’s crisis program sources critical items required at a moments notice. Within this program we also respond to other emergency needs such as the costs related to emergency relocation and so on.
- Homes Program - RizeUp sets up and furnishes the homes sourced by specialist services to support clients moving on from domestic violence.
- Youth Enrichment Support Solutions - RizeUp supports the family by providing items of clothing for children t start at their new school.
How do I get help if I’m affected by domestic and/or family violence?
- If you are in immediate danger call 000
- For more information call or visit 1800respect (1800 737 732) or visit the website.
- If you are within Queensland, click here.
- If you need help identifying a local support service in your area please email: i@rizeup.com.au
- Click here for RizeUp support
Volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering with RizeUp, click here.