Reflections from new VSAC members

Experts by Experience framework

Reflection by VSAC member Yara

VSAC member Yara (named changed for privacy reasons) wrote this reflection on the Experts by Experience framework, launched by the University of Melbourne and Domestic Violence Victoria on Monday 27 July.

'It was a privilege and an honour to have contributed to this framework.

I have almost lost my life as a result of family violence many times. I am grateful I was lucky enough to survive, and I do this work so others don’t have to face the realities I have had to survive in my life, and so we can change things for the next generations.

Change is slow, keeping perspective matters and we need to consider the ripple effects of this framework and how it will effect change in the family violence sector and beyond, and create healing and empowering opportunities for many victim survivors out there, over time.

I hope one day all family violence workers, who are survivors too, can one day come out to their colleagues without fear of being seen as ‘lesser’. I hope we can have a victim survivor peak body organisation in Victoria one day, run by and for family violence victim survivors. I hope this framework opens up more doors and more opportunities for more victim survivors to be offered empowering opportunities, and to be employed in peer and lived experience roles in the future. From little things big things grow, so I am excited to see the impact our framework has in the future. Thank you to everyone who contributed to creating this framework together.'

VSAC submissions to the Implementation Monitor

Reflection by VSAC member Rebecca

Several VSAC members responded to the Family Violence Implementation Monitor Jan Shuard’s call for submissions to inform her fourth report to Victorian Parliament next year. VSAC member Rebecca shared this reflection.

'I was very grateful to be provided with the opportunity to respond to the Family Violence Implementation Monitor’s call for submissions. It forced me to catch up on what recommendations were made back in 2016 and to reflect on any changes made and what further changes needed to occur.

While I am very grateful to live in a country that does not tolerate family violence and seeks the path of prevention, response, and support, I acknowledge that this path cannot be walked alone and that is why the provision of feedback matters.

We all have something to contribute and it is important not to second guess our observations and recommendations for improvement. There is a saying “If you want to go somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to go somewhere far, go together. Stamping out family violence is a long journey that we must travel together, and in that journey, we must not give up.'

Pride in Prevention evidence guide

Reflection by VSAC member Russ

VSAC member Russ Vickery demonstrated the power of lived experience at the launch of the 'Pride in Prevention: A guide to primary prevention of family violence experienced by LGBTIQ communities' in June.

Russ shared this reflection(opens in a new window)