Committee shines light on support services

EARLIER this week was the official launch of Empowering Our Community Ballarat, a collaboration between the DV Collective and Ballarat Business Women.

The committee aims to help women and children escaping domestic violence and the evening included an overview of relevant services in the region.

Domestic violence survivor Simone O’Brien shared her story as well as some warning signs of domestic violence.

“We managed to get 160 people all in the same room, a range of all those key domestic violence support services in Ballarat, some of Ballarat’s leading corporates as well as stories from survivors,” said DV Collective founder Kylie Johanson

“It was really great to understand the pathways our women and children in the Ballarat community can reach out for support.”

Margi Cousins, chair of Ballarat Business Women, said that particularly in Ballarat, creating awareness is important.

“Unfortunately, Ballarat has a 12 per cent higher level of domestic violence than anywhere else in Victoria,” she said.

“But we have support services able to assist people to escape but often they’re not aware of it.”

As part of the initiative, organisations can sign up to become a “business buddy” where they will be contacted with opportunities to get involved.

Individuals can also volunteer their time towards particular initiatives, such as a nappy drive which will be taking place in May.

“We are going to activate a number of fundraisers and product drives throughout the calendar of events during the year,” Ms Johanson said.

“The money that we raise or the products that we are able to source will go directly to the support services, so they are able to assist more women and children.”

Ms Johanson encouraged the community to get involved to prevent domestic and family violence.

“It doesn’t matter how small that support looks or that volunteering, someone can get involved in a very small way or a bigger way,” she said.

To get involved, head to the DV Collective website.

Ballarat Business Women chair Margi Cousins said it’s important to highlight services available in the region. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN