Key Points
- NSW Department of Communities and Justice are partnering with the Indian (Subcontinent) Crisis Support Agency with a seminar directed at the Sikh/ Punjabi community.
- The seminar aims to educate community leaders on the ways to help offered in Australia by the law, police and support agencies.
- Kittu Randhawa clarifies common misconceptions about domestic violence amongst the Punjabi community.
The forum
NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), in collaboration with the ICSA, is delivering a seminar on Domestic and Family Violence.
This session focuses on educating the Sikh community.
It will be delivered and explained in Punjabi to religious leaders, community leaders, and people of influence among business and the general community.
It will be held at the Max Webber Library, Blacktown from 9:00am to 1:00pm on March 20.
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Ms Randhawa, the founder and managing director of ICSA, shared, "This forum aims to reach out to people of influence, educating them about what the police, legal aid and the DV (Domestic Violence) line can do through conversations and case studies. This way, they can help the wider community."
"This also gives the community a chance to ask questions. To clarify misconceptions or fears like losing your visa when you call the police," said Ms Randhawa.
Kittu Randhawa educating her audience on domestic and family violence. Credit: Kittu Randhawa
Clarifying common misconceptions
She also raised common misconceptions about domestic violence, which are obstacles in the way of those in need accessing help.
"People think that this is a common occurrence in every household, but violence and insulting women is not a common occurrence," said Ms Randhawa.
She questioned the 'blaming the victim' mentality, where people think that the victim must have done something wrong and, in consequence, are abused.
"The person that cannot control their anger and take it out on someone else is at fault," said Ms Randhawa.
Women participating in an event organised by ICSA Credit: ICSA
How to get help
The ICSA support individuals and families in vulnerable states or those experiencing abuse.
Ms Randhawa advised that anyone fearing or suffering harm should immediately contact the police for efficient intervention.
"Before it reaches that situation, talk to someone like a support agency, at work with the employer assistance program or someone you can trust," said Ms Randhawa.
She further added, "People are scared to talk about domestic violence, but this is not something to fear."
Here's the full interview about the upcoming domestic and family violence forum and a discussion on misconceptions and avenues of help for victims.
