Action Research Support – SA project summaries

SA

Ending the Cycle (ARS project 5)

Sammy D Foundation

Project contacts: Jessie Bennie and Tiffany Downing

The focus of the project is to work with a network of like-minded organisations, focused on supporting women and children in the inner southern suburbs of Adelaide, to develop an understanding and knowledge based around the risk and protective factors for the early identification of young people that may be experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence.

The project will include the development of a practical resource, as well as forums and information sessions aimed at community organisations (i.e. sporting clubs), educational facilities and other youth services, which are in a good position with ongoing contact with young people on a regular and often social basis but do not generally have access to the information or support to know what to do.

No more excuses (ARS project 6)

City of Salisbury

Project contact: Claudine Spinner

Working with the Inner Northern Homelessness and Violence Against Women Collaboration Group, the City of Salisbury is implementing a range of programs aimed at addressing gender inequality, promoting financial independence, challenging thoughts and behaviours and educating frontline staff and the community on bystander intervention strategies.

Building Safe Communities for Women  (ARS project 7)

Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc.

Project contact: Alison Lam

The project aims to increase the capacity of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to deal with domestic violence and develop community specific approaches through consultation and review.

The project will work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, government and non-government organisations in South Australia to map the services available to keep Aboriginal women and children safe from violence. 

Domestic Violence Against Older Women: Developing Networks to Improve Service Provision (ARS project 8)

Flinders University of South Australia

Project contact: Dr Lana Zannettino 

This project focuses on developing networks between domestic violence, older person support, and homelessness services to develop an integrated and whole of community approach in responding to older women (55+ yrs) experiencing domestic violence. Although the literature shows that domestic violence occurs throughout the life course, older women’s experiences of domestic violence remain under-examined or unacknowledged in research and practice arenas.

Family violence can affect older women at two levels- at the level of domestic violence and at the level of elder abuse- and it is often the confusion between these two forms of abuse that make it difficult for older women who are victims of domestic violence to access the help they need. Domestic violence can become progressively invisible along the life span because explanations for such abuse are situated as random and unintentional, e.g. issues relating to ageing, carer distress etc. There needs to be greater collaboration and integration between domestic violence, older person support, and homelessness services in order to respond more effectively to older women affected by domestic violence.