Help is Here is a national domestic violence awareness campaign to ensure all Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, know where to go for help if they are at risk of or experiencing violence.
Kuku-Yalanji and Gumbaynggirr man, father and cultural mentor Jeremy Donovan is a key supporter of this campaign.
“There is definitely no excuse for domestic violence — financial hardship, family hardship, family grief — these are things that culturally have always pulled us together, so we shouldn’t let these things pull us apart. We need to protect our families,” Jeremy says.
The national campaign stems from studies indicating an increase of incidences of domestic violence during times of crisis.
For instance, in March 2020 — when COVID-19 restrictions were implemented across Australia — Google saw the highest increase in searches for domestic violence help in the past five years, an increase of 75 per cent.
Jeremy Donovan is encouraging people to seek help, use the multitude of support material that’s available to everyone in the community.
For, Mob, there are also culturally sensitive and culturally trained people offering support and making sure that no one is left out during this crisis.
“We need to let people who are experiencing family or domestic violence know there are people out there who can help.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
