Training Ambassadors Family & Domestic Violence

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A M B A S S A D O R P R O G R A M

2024

Conversations

BLIND SPOT

"Conversations

that change the way you

see the world."

Produced By

Cycle Breaker Mission

Ambassador Program

BLIND SPOT

CONTENT AND

TRIGGER WARNING

"Conversations that change the way you see the world."

The content and discussion in these magazine

articles will necessarily engage with Family and

Domestic Violence content and triggers. Much of it

will be emotionally and intellectually challenging to

engage with. If you need support or help please

know you are not alone and visit the resource page

of Cycle Breaker Mission website for specific help

and support.

A young mother of two who is victim to emotional,

phycological, and sexual abuse for over 13 years, and

the two young children experiencing physical abuse as

well as witnessing abuse. All three victims of the DV were

under emotional and phycological abuse and had a core

belief the abuse was their fault, and that they weren’t

good enough. Living with no self-esteem both children

had developed situational anxiety and the mother

depression from the DV.

The mother also experienced sexual violence with the

abuser since age 16 and had a core belief its was ok and

not abuse because he was her boyfriend/husband at the

time. Both children experienced physical abuse directly

in the form of; the daughter being shaken when crying,

and the son being dragged across the house by the arm,

thrown into walls or a dark room and locked in alone.

The abuse was continued and re trauma; as well as new trauma arose for all three victims

when the abuser started to use system abuse to get to the mother, directly effecting both

children when they tried to get out. The three vicim’s now live with the biological parents of

the mother; who helped raise both children from birth. She continues to receive phycological

support from a specialist dealing with woman in DV and so do both children.

The abuser had threatened to use court to further control the vicim (mother). Using

alienation, the abuser managed to gain control and traumatise all three victims within the

court system and process. The victim mother needs support in ﬁnance for legal fees and

support for a trial to gain final court orders regarding custody of the children.

C A S E S T U D Y

O N E O N O N E P R O G R A M

Karina's Story

"The support I've had from friends who became family, and family members

who became true friends is what made the impact for change, healing,

wholeness and happiness for me and the kids. We had our own village that

helped us get back into the community and living life as a thriving family

instead of just a merely surviving statistics from the family section in a census.

I'll forever support CBM just as they took their part for my life and supported

me."

Karina

Client One on One Program

Karina's One-on-One Program Testimonial

The Significance of a Support System

Highlighted in Karina's Journey

Karina's experience underscores the

crucial role of having a support

system. Her loved ones were integral

to the Cycle Breaker Mission support

village that aided in her and her

children's healing, wholeness, and

pursuit of happiness.

THE

CONTENT

I N T R O D U C T I O N

T Y P E S O F D O M E S T I C V I O L E N C E

U N D E R S T A N D I N G V I C T I M S

D E C O D I N G D O M E S T I C A B U S E ( P O W E R W H E E L )

M A N A G I N G C H I L D R E N W H O A R E V I C T I M S

H E L P I N G W O M A N

T H E G E N E R A T I O N A L I M P A C T S O F F D V

S E X U A L A B U S E I N M A R R I A G E

Y O U R P A R T T O P L A Y

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM 2024

CYCLE BREAKER MISSION

INTRODUCTION|1

A M B A S S A D O R P R O G R A M

C Y C

B R

A K E

I S S I O

The Ambassador Program's for equipping those

to better support and understanding victims of

Domestic Violence and Abuse.

Domestic violence is a complex issue that affects

people of all ages, genders, and races. This

program is designed for individuals who wish to

learn more about domestic violence and offer

support to those affected by it. We will explore the

various forms of domestic violence and address

the sensitive issues that arise.

This program is ideal for anyone committed to

their community, whether your a health and social

care professional, individual working in retail,

hospitality, or studying. By participating in this

program, you will gain valuable insight into the

impact of domestic violence and the role of those

working with victims of abuse.

At the end of the program, you will have the

knowledge, skills, and confidence to assist and

support victims and survivors of domestic

violence in your community.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics

2016

Personal

Safety

Survey,

2.2

million

Australians have experienced domestic violence,

while the number of individuals experiencing

sexual assaults has risen steadily since 2010.

These are disturbing statistics on domestic

violence and sexual assault in Australia.

It's worth noting that in all Australian jurisdictions,

domestic violence covers a broad range of

behaviours, including assault or personal injury

(including sexual assault), intentional damage to

property, and threats of such behaviour.

Family and Domestic Violence is a universal

problem that claims many lives every year and

results

long-term

physical

and

mental

difficulties in victims.

Other terms Used for domestic violence are:

Domestic Abuse - Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) -

Intimate Partner Abuse - Spousal Abuse - Dating

Violence.

It can take place among: Married couples, Dating

couples (including teens), Couples in a live-in

relationship, Couples with children, and Same sex

partners. Domestic violence typically involves

violent abuse of an individual by their partner or

spouse. Unfortunately, it does not receive the

same attention, reportage and condemnation

as other crimes in our society and is often

overlooked due to these acts are perpetrated

behind closed doors.

Victims are subjected to psychological abuse that

discourages them from speaking out against

perpetrators.

Let's look at some statistics to understand the

risks posed by domestic violence in Australia:

17% of women (1.6 million) and 5.9% of men

(528,800) have experienced physical violence

from a current or former partner from the age

of 15.

Around 41% of people seeking help from

specialist homelessness services in 2019-20

were experiencing domestic and family

violence.

Domestic and family violence was the main

reason why 82,000 people sought help from

specialist homelessness services in 2019-20

Of the people who sought help from

specialist homelessness services due to

domestic and family violence related issues,

more than three out of four (or 79%) were

female.

On average, one woman is killed every nine

days by a current or former partner

On average, one male is killed every 29 days

by a current or former partner.

INTRODUCTION|2

A M B A S S A D O R P R O G R A M

C Y C

B R

A K E

I S S I O

Healthy relationships are built on a foundation

good

communication,

mutual

respect,

honesty,

trust,

and

equality.

Though

disagreements may arise, the presence of these

positive qualities helps partners to compromise

and find solutions. Conversely, unhealthy

relationships are characterised by behaviours

that lack mutual respect for one another. It is

important to note that not all unhealthy

relationships are abusive, but they can become

so if left unchecked.

Here are some common signs of an unhealthy

relationship: Poor communication - Dishonesty -

Jealousy - Manipulation - Criticism - Disrespect -

Frequent arguments - Controlling behaviour.

Domestic violence is a behaviour constructed

based on gender, with women being the

overwhelming victims globally and in Australia.

In Western societies, cultural norms shaped by

patriarchy

and

misogyny

teach

men

dominate in relationships, equating masculinity

with

violent

behaviour

and

discouraging

vulnerability and emotional expression.

Domestic Violence and Gender

The

socially

constructed

idea

gender

behaviour increases the risk of violence in

domestic relationships, regardless of sexual

orientation. Men and individuals belonging to

the

LGBTIQ

community

also

experience

intimate partner violence, with studies showing

that in most cases, the perpetrator is male.

A health and wellbeing survey of 5, 476 LGBTIQ

respondents by the Australian Research Centre

for Health and Sexuality found that 28% of male-

identifying individuals and 41% of female-

identifying individuals reported being part of an

abusive relationship.

A Look at Unhealthy Behaviour

Stress is a natural part of human life and

manifests itself in different ways and people use

various methods to deal with it.

Instances of domestic violence may be higher

in families facing severe financial crises. For

example, those who are at the verge of losing

their homes will be experiencing high levels of

stress.

People often rely on past experiences to

manage stress, utilising techniques they believe

will work. However, some may resort to

physically or mentally harming their partners to

alleviate their stress. It's important to hold

individuals accountable for their actions if they

resort to violent or unhealthy behaviour.

Domestic violence should never be normalised

as an acceptable way to manage stress.

Effects of Domestic Violence

Domestic

violence

can

cause

deep

and

permanent pain and trauma in victims, resulting

in emotional and psychological trauma such as

shame, anger, depression, anxiety, suicidal

thoughts, and disrupted mental wellbeing.

Victims may also turn to substance abuse and

alcoholism to cope. Domestic violence can also

lead to loss of home and physical injuries,

disabilities, and death for the victim.

Effects on the family

Domestic abuse has long-term and detrimental

effects on the family members of the victims as

well as the abuser. These effects include long-

term

conflicts,

destruction

properties,

emotional and financial difficulties for family

members, frequent shifting of homes, physical

and mental trauma for children, loss of hope for

positive and safe relationships, and a tendency

to engage in substance abuse and alcoholism.

There are several types of domestic abuse, including

physical,

emotional,

phycological,

intimidation,

coercion and threats, sexual, verbal, emotional,

isolation,

economic

and

financial,

minimising,

denying or blaming, and using children against the

victim/survivor. Multiple types of abuse can occur in

one relationship, and behaviours can escalate and

change from one type to another. These behaviours

are used to restrict and control the victim/survivor's

life, and perpetrators often refuse to acknowledge

their behaviour or minimise the harm they have done.

T Y P E S O F

D O M E S T I C

V I O L E N C E

Perpetrators of domestic violence often use children

to manipulate and harm their partners. This can

occur regardless of whether they are the child’s

parent or not. Here are some examples of how

children can become involved in the abuse:

Requesting children to pass on messages or

using them to threaten you in a secretive manner,

for instance, by putting notes in their bags or

clothes.

Deliberately

arriving

late

for

scheduled

appointments with the children or refusing to

return them on time.

Utilising access visits to intimidate and stalk you.

Blaming you for the situation, even going so far

as to turn the children against you.

Threatening to abduct the children or use a court

order to remove the mothers contact with them.

There’s urgent need for greater community awareness

about domestic violence, leading to more alertness

among people to identify such incidents as well as

enhancing their understanding of and consideration

for the victims.

The National Community Attitudes towards Violence

against Women Survey (NCAS) revealed that

Australians are now more likely to excuse abusive

domestic behaviours than they were 20 years ago.

Recognising Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be difficult to recognise, but

there are some signs to look out for. If you or

someone you know is experiencing any of the

following, it may be a sign of abuse:

Signs of Psychological Abuse: Low self-esteem,

low

confidence,

social

withdrawal,

extreme

meekness and remorse , major personality changes,

signs

anxiety,

depression

and

suicidal

tendencies.

Signs of Someone Facing Domestic Violence:

Agreeing with and going along with whatever their

partner suggests, says and does; Appearing fearful

or anxious and attempting to please their partner;

Regularly reporting to their partner about their

whereabouts and activities; Receiving persistent

and harassing phone calls repeatedly from the

partner whenever they are outside; Talking about

the partner's behavioural traits such as anger,

jealousy, possessiveness; Becoming excessively

private about their personal life and partner.

Warning Signs of Physical Violence: Displaying

frequent and unusual bruises and justifying them as

accidents, choosing attire that hides injuries,

missing school, work or other social occasions

frequently without any explanation.

Warning Signs of Isolation: Restrictions on meeting

family and friends, accessing money, bank cards or

a vehicle, rarely being seen in public without their

partner.

The

Impact

Community

Attitudes

Has

Domestic Violence Survivors in Australia.

The results of a survey conducted in Australia

revealed that 50% of the participants believed that

women could leave an abusive relationship if they

really wanted to. Shockingly, one in five Australians

believed that violence could be excused if the

offender expressed regret for their actions.

Community attitudes play a crucial role in the way

domestic violence is perceived and addressed.

Trivialising domestic abuse by a large percentage of

the community makes it extremely difficult for victims

to break free from their abusive situation. This is why

it's crucial to challenge such attitudes and raise

awareness.

Survivors of domestic violence often require additional

support beyond therapy and counselling. It's essential

for family, friends, and the community to provide

support, alongside professional services such as legal

aid to help access resources that provide victims and

their children with safety and financial security.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless

of gender, race, age, social status, or religion. National

statistics (ABS) Personal Safety Survey (PSS) 2016)

show that one in sixteen men and one in six women

have experienced violence by their partners since age

15; Children often witness this violence; Women are at

a higher risk, especially those who are pregnant,

young, separated from their partner, disabled,

transgender, Indigenous, or homeless.

Remember, domestic violence is a serious

issue and should not be taken lightly. If

you or someone you know is experiencing

domestic violence, seek help immediately.

In 2012, footage of NFL player Ray Rrice attacking his

fiancé Janay Palmer and knocking her unconscious

went viral across the globe. Janay later defended

Ray's actions and married him.

Source: www.foxsports.com.au; Images TMZ Sports

The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Victims' Social

Well-being.

Domestic abuse in any form inflicts severe

emotional, physical, mental, and social damage on

the victim. The victim's ability to engage in daily

activities is impeded by acts of violence and acute

controlling behaviors.

Even after breaking free from abusive partners, the

victim requires extensive time and resources to

recover and regain a sense of normalcy. Survivors

may suffer career setbacks due to emotional stress

and frequent absences.

Additionally, they may find it challenging to seek

help to escape the trauma, resulting in a vicious

cycle of vulnerability and dependence on the

abuser.

Abusive relationships are complex and difficult to

leave. Here are some reasons why victims choose to

stay: Self-doubt caused by constant harassment and

accusations. Fear caused by threats of emotional or

physical harm. Urge to protect children. Financial

limitations connected with caring for children. Guilty

thoughts of breaking up the family. Stigma of being in

same-sex relationships.

Signs of possible distress in a person can be observed

through behavioural and physical changes.

Behavioural signs include noticeable changes in

behaviour such as becoming distant, anxious or more

aggressive, excessive secrecy about their personal

lives, loss of interest in activities and gatherings, and

continuous worry about home life.

Physical signs include frequent injuries and bruises

with unusual excuses, changes in dressing habits, and

The Impact of Abuse on Society

Domestic violence should NOT be considered as a

personal issue.

Domestic violence is a social issue that affects

society directly and indirectly. Its impacts include

victims becoming homeless, children growing up

without an understanding of positive, healthy

relationships, increased substance abuse and

alcoholism, poor mental health for victims, and

emotional and behavioural issues in children.

indicators of substance abuse such as alcohol

consumption and smoking.

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