Micaela Cronin’s Post

🌟 Big News: DFSV Commission’s Lived Experience Advisory Council EOI is Live! 🌟 We are elated to share that the Domestic Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Commission has officially opened the Expression of Interest (EOI) for their Lived Experience Advisory Council. This is a groundbreaking moment, and we couldn’t be prouder of the role that the Independent Collective of Survivors (ICOS) has played in bringing this opportunity to life. Two years ago, ICOS was instrumental in drafting the campaign documents and terms of reference that laid the foundation for this Council. We met with ministers, spoke to the media, and worked tirelessly to ensure that lived and living experiences are central to policy-making and systemic change. 🌟 Why This Matters 🌟 The Council will serve as a vital platform for those with lived and living experience of DFSV to directly influence and co-design solutions. It’s not just about having a seat at the table; it’s about making sure that the table is set by those who understand the issues most intimately. If you or someone you know has lived and or living experience and is committed to driving meaningful change, I strongly encourage you to apply or share this link. Acknowledgement to ICOS Co-Founder Mishka, who saw this through from drafting the original letter to Minister Ruston to most recently working closely with DFSV Commission on its establishment. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported ICOS in this journey. Together, we are making a difference that will be felt for generations to come. ❤️✊🏼 Jaimee Morgenbesser Adele Aria Tess Moodie Lula Dembele Janine Rees Micaela Cronin #DFSVCommission #LivedExperience #AdvisoryCouncil #EOI #ICOS #SystemicChange

Today is International Men’s Day, which is a day to appreciate men and all they do for their families, friends and society as a whole. It is also important that we remember that men are deserving of help and support too. Often they are seen as having to be strong and resilient characters, unable to show their emotions. Because of this, men are at higher risk of suicide and certain aspects of mental health; they are less likely to seek help for this and often face feelings of shame or embarrassment when talking about their feelings. Men can also be victims of domestic and sexual abuse, a topic which we see regularly brought up in the comment section of our posts. So, let’s take time today to recognise the crimes often committed against men, and the resources available to support our communities. Members of the public are invited to get involved in a new men’s advisory group. The aim of the group is to improve the quality of policing by being the critical link between the community and the police. The group is part of the force’s violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy and will sit alongside a separate group for women – but it will draw on men’s experience of issues such as domestic violence and discuss how they can be affected. Violence against women and girls is a national area of focus for policing, but it is important that the impacts of this on men are also considered. Men are traditionally less likely to report domestic violence related offences, so it is important to consider how the national conversation on violence against women and girls could further discourage men from coming forward as victims. If you would like more information about this new group, please visit https://orlo.uk/OkcGg You can also access further support and information on International Men’s Day here, https://orlo.uk/hzycy .

We are constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of “raising awareness” for certain causes, and domestic violence is no different. The thing is, unless you’re living under a rock, you’re aware that intimate partner violence and gender-based violence are still public health crises. It’s not just happening to a few women, either. It’s happening to millions. In fact, one in three women will be victims of rape, physical abuse or stalking by a dating partner or spouse—someone they initially trusted not to hurt them. For men, the statistic is one in four. These numbers don’t even account for the cases of nonphysical abuse, such as emotional, verbal or financial abuse. And the stats are likely low estimates as well. Domestic violence often goes unreported by survivors who don’t feel safe speaking out. So, now that you’re aware of this very real problem, you may be wondering, is my job done here? Has domestic violence ended? Advocates who’ve long worked in the domestic violence field know there is so much more than awareness needed. It’s time to turn that awareness into action. https://lnkd.in/e-d8_DRM #DomesticViolence #Abuse #DomesticAbuse

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. #DVAM2023. Not all domestic violence is physical it also includes: Emotional & Psychological abuse, Financial & Economic Abuse, Coercive and Controlling behaviours, Sexual Coercion, Verbal Abuse, Stalking and Harrassment, Legal Abuse and none of this leaves any bruises or broken bones. When I self-published my story in May 2022, it was for three reasons. 1. To raise awareness of hidden emotional and psychological abuse in intimate relationships. 2. Highlighting the gaps in the laws that often fail women. As a warning to unmarried couples especially women who become or are financially dependent on their partners. 3. For information and educational purposes signposting to helpful resources. Readers will discover 2 Resources for keeping a record of bullying and abusive incidents. Writing as a way to heal - Letters to the ex - Letters to the other women 40 Signs of Emotional Abuse 4 Steps to Release Anger & Resentment 5 Ways to Recover & Heal I published it under my pen name Loren Keeling. Changing the names of the various significant people in the story, as well as the names of the solicitors involved. To protect the individuals but allow me to tell the truth of the situation that I experienced. I also researched the legal implications in Spain and in the UK and my findings might shock some people. Women are often failed when they report domestic abuse, they are failed by police, lawyers, social services, judges and justice systems. It is not just in Europe, this happens in many countries across the world, irrespective of social class or educational attainment. I never ever thought that I would be given legal advice to file a Gender Violence complaint against my former partner. Or that in doing so I would be failed by the system that is meant to support women in these situations. When I had the idea to write my story on the night that the ex-partner terminated the relationship none of what unfolded had taken place. I had in fact voiced my idea to him that very night on August 27th 2020. Not only did he end the relationship in a time of Covid lockdown he offered “financial security” and then pulled the rug from under me within two weeks of leaving me in our Spanish home when I had no income, no job, and I was experiencing emotional trauma. #ownyourjourney #ownyourstory #emotionalabuse #abusesurvivor #abuserecovery #DARVO #legalabuse It's not over yet.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month. It’s an opportunity to face family violence head on beginning with awareness, acknowledgement and recognition, discussion and community education. Learn more, take action and encourage others to do the same.   Domestic violence increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As societies reopened, numbers have remained high. Unfortunately, numbers have specifically increased in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. Some distressing statistics: · 41 percent of Black women and 36 percent of Black men experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetimes, compared to 31 percent of white women and 27 percent of white men. · Indigenous populations rates are higher with 52 percent of women and 43 percent of men experiencing this kind of violence in their lifetimes.   BIPOC communities face unique contributing factors to domestic violence such as: · Inequitable access to medical care and/or culturally appropriate health advice · Inadequate housing · Precarious employment · Mistrust in health institutions · Lack of availability of/access to family services   Learn more through two informative articles about domestic violence and BIPOC communities: Psychology Today https://lnkd.in/gAMzck27 BIPOC Women’s Health Network https://lnkd.in/g7uigBgU   If you or someone you know is affected by family violence, seek help. https://lnkd.in/g9KYntrj  #FVPM #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth #enddomesticviolence #familyviolenceprevention #domesticabuse #familyviolence

Stop and read. Listen, get curious, question ideas, norms, conventions. Gender-based violence is a preventable and horrific reality that impacts millions of individuals (majority being female) around the world.    In the lead to International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism, I strongly encourage you to spend some time informing yourself about this issue. There is so much data out there. There are millions of testimonials from extraordinary people who have lived unimaginably painful experiences. And there is also the silence left by those who haven't survived the abuse. Pay attention and take a stance, because I strongly believe that we cannot afford to have a neutral position anymore. Nothing is going to change unless we’re informed. Informed and outraged.    Some resources I recommend: - If you have 8” read: https://lnkd.in/gZBGDEJ5 -  If you have 10” read: https://lnkd.in/gePG4y4U - If you want to recognise the signs of relationship abuse and how to help read: FAQs: https://lnkd.in/gr5jHCQj - If you are a podcast person, The Trap by Jessica Hill and Unspeakable, by Victoria Police are both incredibly interesting. - If you are truly invested and have the heart and mind, please watch Jessica Hill’s SBS documentary https://lnkd.in/g3AStaZe (there is also a book and podcast) I will continue to share resources and information on this issue for, probably the rest of my life.   ------ Domestic and family violence can happen in any family, to anyone. It is never okay, and people of every age, gender, and sexuality have the right to feel safe at home. Safe Steps is a 24/7 Family Violence Response Centre that will support you to understand your family violence risks, explore safety options and make appropriate and timely referrals to services that exist to meet your specific and individual needs. Additional supports are available for people with disabilities and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. Phone: 1800 015 188 Email: safesteps@safesteps.org.au

November is Family Violence Prevention Month. It’s an opportunity to face family violence head on beginning with awareness, acknowledgement and recognition, discussion and community education. Learn more, take action and encourage others to do the same. BSF’s Heart Home Network is Alberta’s largest second stage women’s shelter supporting transitions from domestic violence. We serve people at risk of family violence by providing domestic abuse support, education, shelter, and basic needs to women and children leaving abuse and violence.   Domestic violence increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As societies reopened, numbers have remained high. Unfortunately, numbers have specifically increased in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. Some distressing statistics: · 41 percent of Black women and 36 percent of Black men experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetimes, compared to 31 percent of white women and 27 percent of white men. · Indigenous populations rates are higher with 52 percent of women and 43 percent of men experiencing this kind of violence in their lifetimes.   BIPOC communities face unique contributing factors to domestic violence such as: · Inequitable access to medical care and/or culturally appropriate health advice · Inadequate housing · Precarious employment · Mistrust in health institutions · Lack of availability of/access to family services   Learn more through two informative articles about domestic violence and BIPOC communities: Psychology Today https://lnkd.in/gAMzck27 BIPOC Women’s Health Network https://lnkd.in/g7uigBgU   If you or someone you know is affected by family violence, seek help. https://lnkd.in/g9KYntrj  #FVPM #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth #enddomesticviolence #familyviolenceprevention #domesticabuse #familyviolence

The Domestic Violence Act, 2005 is an Indian law that aims to protect women from domestic violence and abuse. It recognizes physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse as forms of domestic violence. The Act provides for the appointment of protection officers, who are responsible for ensuring that victims of domestic violence are protected and receive the necessary assistance. It also enables victims to obtain protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief from their abusers. The Act is an important step towards ending domestic violence and ensuring that victims receive the support they need. Here are some steps that you can take if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence: 1. Seek help immediately. Call the police or a domestic violence helpline for assistance. 2. Get medical attention if needed. If you or someone you know has been physically injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 3. Create a safety plan. If you are in an abusive relationship, it is important to have a safety plan in place. This may include identifying safe places to go and people to call in case of an emergency. 4. Report the abuse to the authorities. If you have been the victim of domestic violence, it is important to report the abuse to the police. 5. Obtain a protection order. If you are in immediate danger, you may be able to obtain a protection order to keep your abuser away from you. 6. Seek counseling or therapy. Domestic violence can have long-lasting emotional effects. Seeking counseling or therapy can help you deal with the trauma and move forward. 7. Build a support network. Surround yourself with people who care about you and can offer emotional support. Remember, domestic violence is never acceptable, and there is help available.

LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY GROUP - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Today I was privileged to attend one of Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) consultation meetings. Establishing a LEAG was one of the WA Government's Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce’s priorities, placing the experience and voices of victim-survivors at the centre of policy and service design. The consultation meeting was led by Alison Scott, Director of Kwobap Consultancy. I was there to represent the families of victim non-survivors. I was there to represent Molly. Today's consultation meeting was about working out what the LEAG should look like, what they should do, how they should function, and what support they may need. It was exhilarating to see the energy in the room from those with lived experience who were ready to contribute to the solutions to end domestic violence. My thoughts are summarised below. The LEAG: 1. Should consist of people with lived experience, including those who also have additional skills and expertise deemed necessary for a well-functioning advisory group e.g. legal, police, and health. 3. Needs a strong, articulate, and compassionate Chair. 4. Should consist of no more than 10 members. 5. Should be given authority to form subgroups, survey, and draw on expertise from other organisations to ensure the discussion includes the broadest base possible. 6. Should have access to appropriate training and support. 7. Should use data to change the minds, and stories to change the hearts of the decision makers. 8. Should draw on data and lived experience from all fatal outcomes including domestic violence-related suicide (as well as homicide). 8. Should focus on measurable outcomes that are important to victims, including the often overlooked areas of prevention and perpetrator programs. 9. Should review what legislation and policy has already been enacted in other states/territories and consider recommendations to introduce these in WA (ie not reinvent the wheel). 10. Must be paid. Can't wait to see how this develops! Photo: Molly and me at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, only 6 weeks before her death from domestic violence-related suicide in July 2022.

Tamara Cherry raises a critical point about the language used by police services and its implications for community responsibility and awareness. Labeling events as "isolated incidents" might aim to reassure the public about their immediate safety, but it also risks minimizing the broader social and systemic issues that contribute to such incidents. This terminology can inadvertently support a culture of silence and non-intervention, reinforcing the dangerous notion that matters occurring 'behind closed doors' are not the concern of the wider community. It is indeed our business. Recognizing and addressing the root causes of violence and misconduct, no matter where they occur, is a collective responsibility. By fostering a community ethos that encourages vigilance, support, and intervention, we can work towards a safer, more connected society. It's essential to challenge narratives that isolate incidents from their broader context and to advocate for a more inclusive understanding of public safety and community well-being. #Badgeoflifecanada #breakthestigma #breakthecycle #breakthesilence