Marica Ristic - Domestic & Family Violence: The Cost & Causes
When I first started thinking about this podcast and the topics that I’d like to cover, domestic violence was one that was top of mind for me. Domestic violence is an issue that has always stirred something in me. It’s something that is so pervasive in our societies. It crosses all cultures, races, countries, income and education levels. 1 in 3 women aged 15 and over will be abused at some point in their lives. How is this acceptable? But it happens every day. When I first started thinking about this podcast and the topics that I’d like to cover, domestic violence was one that was always top of mind for me. Domestic violence is an issue that has always stirred something in me. It’s something that is so pervasive in our societies. It crosses all cultures, races, countries, income and education levels. 1 in 3 women aged 15 and over will be abused at some point in their lives. How is this acceptable? But it happens every day
The scale of the issue is huge. In Australia alone, police deal with an estimated 657 domestic violence matters on average every day of the year. That’s one every 2 minutes. Every 2 minutes! So, by the time you’ve finished listening to one of the Doing Good Podcast episodes, around 30 women would have been affected. And these are just the women that get through to police. Because the likelihood of women calling for help is extremely low and domestic violence often goes unreported.
In this episode, I interview Marica Ristic, the Domestic & Family Violence Client Response Team Leader from the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre on the Gold Coast in Australia. We go back to basics and talk about domestic violence – what it is and why it happens; what is being done about it; and what you can do to help. Let me know what you think about this episode in the comments!
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know may be in an unhealthy relationship, please reach out for help. Here are some useful resources:
ADDITIONAL READING:
If it is an emergency, please call the police immediately.
Favourite quote from episode:
“I will go home to the safety of my home, and you will go home today to the safety of your home, and we have so many women and children that are dreading it because the worst part of their lives is behind those doors” [48:30]
People/ items mentioned in this episode:
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre
Domestic violence statistics in Australia
UN Women statistics on violence against women
The work that Marica does is very sensitive so unfortunately her contact details cannot be made available. However if you’re interested in finding out more, you can check out the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre’s website and contact the organisation at here
Show Notes:
What is the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre? [06:30]
Marica explains the difference between domestic violence, intimate partner violence and family violence? [13:25]
What are some of the programs that the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre run? [17:35]
“It’s not all men” [28:55]
How does Marica think that large scale impact can occur? [32:40]
“We need to raise just one generation where the children are free from abuse, where children grown up in non-violent environments. Then, they have something to compare to” [34:00]
Marica shares her journey working to support domestic violence survivors [38:26]
Safety and security concerns that Marica has to think about with her work [44:20]
“To learn that the place that you are supposed to feel the safest is not safe for so many women, that was a defining moment for me” [48:20]
Three Things [54:50]
What are warning signs and where can you get more information if you need support? [57:25]
Advice for family and friends supporting [59:45]
