Let’s Talk about crisis in keeping family safe

With numbers sharply rising during Covid, Bankstown Women’s Health Centre (BWHC) CEO Mariam Mourad says at least 250 women sought support from the service in the last year over domestic or family violence.
“Conversations with local area police commanders also indicted many first response jobs now are related to domestic and family violence,” she said.
“Even though there has been a tremendous amount of change over the years in response to domestic and family violence from a policing perspective, there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed.”
BWHC practitioners report women are faced with many challenges in reporting incidents to police including fear their safety problem might escalate, cultural or religious barriers and past trauma with police in their homeland.
“BWHC, along with 21 women’s health centres across the State, receives no funding for domestic violence – only for general women’s health issues and this funding has not been increased for 40 years,” Ms Maroud said.
“This has to change.”
Shining a light on these issues and calling for government funding, BWHC is hosting a ‘Let’s Talk’ event at the Bankstown Sports Club in The Theatre on Tuesday, July 19, 11am-1.30pm, with all invited to attend.
The event will feature special guest panellists, the launch of the ‘Let’s Talk’ Community Video and performances by Wiley Park Public School and RESPECT program Outloud.
A light lunch will be provided with bookings essential for catering purposes.
Registrations: eventbrite.com.au or 9790 1378.
Bankstown Police Commander, Superintendent Adam Johnson, says domestic violence won’t be tolerated in any form.
If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence, please call 000 if it’s an emergency or Bankstown police on 9783 2100.