Youth Workers’ Newsletter Issue 14, June 2013 an example. If we are only classing domestic violence in Editorial by John Amadio terms of actual physical assaults or sexual assaults, I think they are correct. But, if we consider the broader parameters I have reinstated such as exerting control over what a partner can spend, the ‘funnies’ after how much they can spend, on what they can spend or, requests from several who they may have as friends, who they can mix with, or, workers and so are exerting control over what they can do, where they can included in this go, or, constantly belittling them, putting them down, edition. verbally abusing them etc., then, I doubt that many men They may be have not been guilty of perpetrating abuse at some time ‘occasional’ features in their relationships. Remember, we are talking here about depending on the an uneven distribution of power. This does not mean that volume of material all men are guilty of continuous offenses. I know, that for I receive from me, I have had to have a long, good hard look at myself in contributors. relation to how I conduct myself in an intimate relationship as well as dealing with my own tendency, predisposition to I was recently anger. afforded the opportunity I have never been one to delude myself because all that to represent does is give one an excuse to continue with the behaviour. Relationships I have taken the White Ribbon pledge to: ‘never commit, Australia (SA) at the first White Ribbon International excuse or remain silent about violence against women, this Conference in Sydney. is my oath” (Go to: www.whiteribbon.org.au for more info) It was a most interesting and thought provoking This pledge means that if you see a mate or a stranger experience and one that made me more convinced acting in a manner that is abusive, you will intervene. than ever that we, as men need to be far more active in Obviously, how you do it depends on the circumstances eradicating this from our home, our community or society. and the relationship with the people affected. I am making The stark reality is that the over whelming abuse in my cab a white ribbon friendly’ zone. domestic relationships is perpetrated from males to females. Certainly, examples exist of women to men and same sex DV but, the reality is that by far, most, is male to In this edition... female. Youth Survey 2013 Launch ...................................2 The evidence is also clear that it is behaviour that can be The Gunja Brain Story Flipchart ..........................3 controlled; it does not have to occur. It is also clear that The Oaktree Foundation .........................................4 it is a manifestation of control, domination and power. Domestic violence does not occur between ‘equals’ where Youth Centres ..............................................................5 there is mutual respect. Adriaan’s experience ..................................................8 There is violence that takes place between people which Special Feature - Plaza Youth Center .................9 may not be domestic violence but in the vast majority of cases, it is one person with more power exerting that Youth Member Profiles ......................................... 10 power over someone who has less power. Why? ..............................................................................11 White Ribbon maintain that the majority of men are not Best ‘Singles’ Ad ever printed! ............................. 12 perpetrators but I actually dispute this and cite myself as Issue 14, June 2013 | Youth Workers’ Newsletter 1 If you see something happening it may be that all you in a fairly physical manner by attempting to separate them can do is contact the police. If you have a close relationship and both turned and assaulted me. with the perpetrators, you might take more direct action. The ‘bottom line’ though is you cannot ‘do nothing’, as I believe this also is necessary if blokes are talking in youth workers you have a responsibility to model and particularly disrespectful ways about women. I like the idea reflect good behaviour and, of course, to make every effort Mike Harris has spoken to me about and that is, ‘talking not to be a perpetrator yourself. about respect, would you like people talking about your If you really believe in equality and value respect for the sister, mother, aunty, grandmother that way?” if not, do one you love, you will make every effort to ensure you do something about it. not commit acts of violent or non violent abuse. I approach Each situation presents its own challenges. Being with my anger management and my tendency towards being mates acting like ‘imbeciles’ may be hard to ‘speak up’ but abusive similar to the reformed alcohol, continually vigilant. often, you will find you are not actually alone. Intervening My father thought it was standard practice to keep people in someone clobbering their partner in the street can be in line with violence as did my grandfather. In fact, my fraught with problems as I found out when both turned grandfather would have thought it strange not to give my on me one night. Perhaps, I should have merely beeped grandmother a ’back hander’ if she stepped ‘out of line’. my horn continuously, called the police, made them aware they were being seen by others but instead, I intervened We surely have progressed beyond that. Youth Survey 2013 launches! wWe have now launched Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Get involved! 2013. This important tool asks young Australians aged 15- 19 years what they value, where they turn for advice and It’s important that we get as many young people as possible support, what issues concern them, how they are involved to take part so please encourage participation through your with their community and their feelings about their future. relevant networks – clients, staff, family members, youth and church groups, other welfare agencies, support groups and Powerful results community organisations – or by setting up stands at events or even busy shopping areas. Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey is recognised as a Share the link to the survey through your social networks valuable source of information by government, academics such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin and help reach and the media. Since the inaugural survey in 2002, we have as many 15-19 year olds as possible to encourage their surveyed hundreds of thousands of young people and made participation in this informative survey. the results public. The survey can be completed online at Following the survey, we publish a comprehensive report or in paper form by emailing a on the national and state or territory results. This always mayouthsurvey.com.au request to with drives huge media interest, with the research cited in articles [email protected] the required quantities and the delivery address. throughout the year providing continuous exposure for Mission Australia’s work. The survey is open until Friday 28 June 2013. Importantly, the results of the survey help us to develop Local insights youth advocacy strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves. It also assists us with the We have the capacity to drill down results to a local level development of programs and services that meet young but there needs to be completion by a minimum of 100 people’s needs, as well as being a key resource for policy people in your area. To achieve this, we suggest joining makers. forces with other groups in your vicinity to encourage greater participation. Please contact us in advance 2 Youth Workers’ Newsletter | Issue 14, June 2013 (contact details below) so we can provide you with a which it can be completed. Should you wish to approach a unique code which will enable us to provide you with local school about taking part, please contact the Research an individual report on your data. and Social Policy Unit to check on the conditions for your State or Territory. Conducting the survey within schools Mission Australia has applied to all relevant State and Need to know more? Territory education departments seeking approval to Contact Brianna Perrens in the Research and Social Policy conduct the Youth Survey 2013 in schools. Responses Unit, Group Shared Services, for support with Youth Survey have now been received from each education department 2013: outlining the conditions under which the Youth Survey 2013 Email - [email protected] may be undertaken within their respective schools. Phone - 02 9288 0087 The Research and Social Policy Unit will be undertaking a mail-out to all secondary schools nationally alerting them Thank you for your support! about this year’s Youth Survey and the conditions under The Gunja Brain Story Flipchart Feedback from those using the resource Six months since the launch of the Gunja Brain Story continuing to provide relevant and culturally appropriate Flipchart, we have distributed over 1500 flipcharts to resources to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and other community community and rely on feedback such as this to ensure we and health organisations around the country. Each flipchart can do this. was sent out with a feedback questionnaire inside the front cover and we are very pleased to have received over 40 of How to order the resource these completed surveys from those using the resource with their clients or students. This feedback has enabled After the popularity of the original print-run of the A3-sized us to gather information about how people received the flipchart, we recently reprinted an additional 2000 copies of flipchart, what sector they work in, relevant information the resource but in a smaller, A4 size. We hope this will make about their clients, their main concerns about cannabis use transporting and using the flipchart easier for workers.