Rotary SAFE Families
www.rotarysafefamilies.org.au

 

 
 

GREETINGS to ROTARY SAFE FAMILIES SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES/AMBASSADORS

A question for you - Do you know what SAFE represents in our name?

Answer:  SAFE represents "Stopping Abuse in Families Everywhere"

 

How wonderful our world would be without family abuse and violence! Is it possible to have a world without family abuse and violence?

In a perfect world this would be a "YES"!  But our world will never be perfect, so it is not possible to have a world without family abuse and violence.

BUT we can certainly reduce the family abuse and violence!

 

Rotary SAFE Families provides methods, ideas, education and information in an attempt to reduce family abuse and violence to men, women, children, youth, elderly of any diversity.

 

How will we provide the methods, ideas, education and information to you?

  • Webinars of workshops, videos, presentations
  • Access to printed resources -Guide for Prevention of Family Abuse in 9 languages
  • Access to videos - Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Male Abuse and Domestic Violence & Its Impact on Children
  • Our Rotary SAFE Families website: www.rotarysafefamilies.org.au

 

Let us start at the beginning

I prefer to use the word "abuse" instead of "violence".

Violence is identified as physical pain used to control a person.

Abuse means physical, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual abuse and coercive control!  Abuse covers all forms of disrespect, suffering, pain and trauma used regularly or repeatedly by a person to control another person.

What is respect?

Respect is a positive feeling or action that shows honour, esteem and consideration for someone or something considered important, valuing their worth, and treating them with care and understanding.

RESPECT is the key to prevention of family abuse

 

How do we apply RESPECT in our everyday lives?

  • Practice active listening to show you respect others. Watch and be quiet when someone else is talking, and spend time thinking about what they’re saying. Nod your head and ask follow up questions to stay engaged in the conversation.

    • Too often, we wait to talk instead of really listening to other people's ideas. Even if you think you disagree, try to consider the point of view and empathize with it before responding.

  • Affirm another person's opinion.  When you’re talking to someone, reinforce and validate their opinions in your own words. 

    • You could say: “What you just said was really cool. I can tell you’ve thought a lot about this topic.”

    • Or, “I’ve never thought of it like that. You always offer a new perspective on complex issues.”

  • Empathise. You might not understand it, but you can respect it. Respect the person you’re talking to has their own reasons for thinking whatever they think.

    • A good way to empathize with someone you don’t agree with is to say, “Mmm, I never thought of it that way. What makes you say that?” Then, you can learn more about the person and where they’re coming from.

  • Disagree respectfully. Don’t insult any opinions or ideas if you disagree with them. Instead, acknowledge your common ground before sharing your side. Avoid simple or insulting language like "You're wrong" or "That's dumb."

    • Say something like, "That's a good point. I think I'm seeing it a little differently though..."

  • Apologise when you are wrong. It shows a great deal of maturity and respect. If you mess up, a simple “I’m sorry” goes a long way in making things right. Try not to make excuses for yourself, and own up to what you did

  • Call out disrespectful behaviour.  Let the people around you know that you won’t tolerate it. If you see someone being rude or disrespectful to someone else, pull them aside and ask them about their behavior. Try to explain that what they did was wrong, and that they shouldn’t do it again.

    • Say something like, “Hey, I saw the way you were talking earlier, and it seemed kind of rude. I just wanted to let you know that your comment came off as really disrespectful, even though you might not have meant it that way.”

  • Show gratitude. Thank people for their assistance and their support. This applies to everyone: your partner, your parents, your siblings, your boss, or even your neighbors. Take a few moments to thank them for how they’ve helped you through tough times or been there for you in the long run.

  • Compliment others. Highlight when people around you do well in their lives. Draw attention to achievements and celebrate them with the people that you care about. Try not to be jealous (although it can be tough sometimes), and focus on how happy your loved one is.

 

HOW to be a SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE/AMBASSADOR for ROTARY SAFE FAMILIES?

YOU must show RESPECT for your family, friends and work colleagues.

Remember: ABUSE Prevention Begins with YOU and ME!

 

Our Next Special Representative/Ambassador Newsletter 2 will provide the prevention of abuse model - "3R's"

Until next time -

My kindest regards

Dorothy

Founder/Co-Chair Rotary SAFE Families - Building a Culture of Peace

 

 

 

 

 
 
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