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Well here we are at the beginning of May and Rotary SAFE Families has been very active in promoting the methods for primary prevention of family abuse/violence to women, men, children, young people, elderly of any diversity via our films, workshops, presentations, printed resources and website. We need you to break this cycle of silence around family abuse.
We must talk, discuss, share and voice our concerns about the level of abuse and violence in our country and not maintain silence. Being silent, we cannot stop abuse.
- Have you ever sat around a table with family or friends and talked about elder abuse?
- Do you know what elder abuse looks like?
- Or what abuse of children, women and men looks like?
Rotary SAFE Families is the "go to" for evidence-based information on how to identify, create a conversation and refer a victim of abuse to a supporting agency.
These are some of the activities we have been involving ourselves and our communities over the past few months.
Towards Respectful Relationships
A Rotary SAFE Families Program for Year 10 Students — Victoria
About the Program
Towards Respectful Relationships was created by Ginny Giorgio, a former family law lawyer, and Rotary Kingscliff Rotarian. This program has been running for four years in northern NSW and Ginny has given licence to Rotary SAFE Families to deliver her program across Victoria. The program is designed for Year 10 students and runs over eight sessions, combining education, mentoring, and creative film making.
Working in small groups, students explore the difference between respectful and abusive relationships — guided by a team including a Family Violence Police Community Liaison Officer, professional film producer, School Welfare teacher, and Rotary SAFE Families mentors. Each group produces a short film on the topic, building both awareness and practical skills along the way. This allows for students talking to students about respectful relationships.
How It Works
• Students work in small groups across 8 structured sessions
• Groups research, script, act, and produce an original short film on respectful relationships
• Films are judged by fellow students and a panel of professionals
• The program concludes with a Gala Event attended by Police, parents, friends, teachers, students, sponsoring Rotary Club and Rotary SAFE Families to view the films, celebrate students, and present prizes.
Funding
The program is funded through Rotary Club sponsorships. This program was recently accepted by RAWCS whereby tax-effective donations can be received through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service), which can be applied to the sponsoring Rotary Club to pay the film producer costs.
Current & Upcoming Schools Participation
The program is currently running at two schools in Victoria:
• Sophia Mundi Steiner School sponsored by Rotary Hawthorn
• Melbourne Montessori College sponsored by Rotary Brighton North
Rotary Werribee is sponsoring the Grange School, Werribee in Term 3 this year and Rotary Caroline Springs is sponsoring the Lakeview College, Caroline Springs in Term 4 this year.
Get in Touch if you would like to sponsor a school
For more information, visit rotarysafefamilies.org.au or contact: Dorothy Gilmour gilmour.dorothy@gmail.com
Rhythms & Rides for Change
Rotary Werribee created the most marvellous event at Wyndham Harbour last weekend. Their "Rhythms & Rides for Change" promoting prevention of family violence, attracted hundreds or families who enjoyed a day of viewing 200 classic cars, eclectic live music and free children's activities whilst picnicking on the grass. Werribee Rotarians are donating their fundraising to Rotary SAFE Families Towards Respectful Relationships program.
 
This is the beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Belair Coupe Dorothy selected for the Rotary SAFE Families Prize. The yellow car was another favourite!
Werribee will be sponsoring more schools to give students the opportunity to explore healthy relationships and create their films for the two Prizes. We thank Rotary Werribee for their fantastic event and their generosity in donating funds to RSF.
District 9815 working with Rotary SAFE Families
After Dorothy presented earlier this year at Rotary Emerald & District dinner meeting, she was approached by the District Governor Elect Emma Clark. Emma is committed to making a difference in her year as DG, to informing and getting support for prevention of family violence. Emma is part of D9815's Group 4 who are already making progress in campaigning against family violence via their Rotarians Against Family Violence group. They have joined with Rotary SAFE Families and their leaders are now part of our Leadership Team.
This very active Group has organised a Theatre Night at the Cameo Theatre in Belgrave on Friday 1 May to show their support in informing local communities that violence and abuse must stop.
We are delighted Group 4 has joined us and we look forward to many years of working together and enjoying Rotary friendship. Group 4 includes Rotary Belgrave, Boronia, Emerald & District, Bunyip, Ferntree Gully, Healesville, Koo Wee Rup, Lilydale, Monbulk & District, Pakenham, Upper Yarra and Wandin.
Our doors are wide open to any Clubs and Districts who would like to join us.
Presentations & Workshops
We have presented to many Rotary Clubs and community organisations in the the past months. These include:
Rotary Club of Balwyn, eClub of Changemakers, Mont Albert & Surry Hills, Werribee, West Footscray, Wyndham Harbour.
Workshops around Family Violence, Coercive Control, Ethical Leadership/Safer Communities have been delivered to Australian Refugee & Family Reunification, Caroline Chisholm Society for Women and Children, East African Women's Foundation, Zonta International.
If you would like a workshop on any aspect of family violence, unhealthy relationships, coercive control, mental health literacy, please contact Dorothy Gilmour: gilmour.dorothy@gmail.com
 
Thank you to everyone who is helping to Make a Difference in stopping Family Violence and Abuse.
Abuse Prevention Begins with YOU & ME!
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