POST SECRETS

Have you heard of Post Secret? They invite people to anonymously contribute a secret, written on a postcard and sent to the group art project ‘Post Secrets’. The secret can be about betrayal, desire, humiliation; anything as long as it’s true and something you have not felt comfortable sharing.  

I asked friends if they could share a time when they’ve been a witness to or been aware of violence against women and felt they remained silent.

These are their secret regrets including one of my own. Written on collaged postcards that I made from recycling my October and November Marie Claire.

Thank you to those involved. And I'm sorry to the four anonymous woman who were the victims in these stories.

www.postsecretcommunity.com

LEAVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In the summer of 1971 the Bank of NSW gave Australians first loan to a woman without a male guarantor.

1973 saw Australia’s very first women’s shelter open for women wanting to leave violent homes.

It wasn’t until the late 1980’s that rape within a marriage became a crime in all Australian jurisdictions.

The last 40 years has seen women gain independence and freedom within society, this gain in power has seen resources established for the ongoing support of woman in society. But even though women of today have more support than ever to escape abusive relationships, it hasn’t meant the abuse has stopped.

Often when we hear of a domestic abuse situation, we’re quick to ask, why doesn’t she leave him? Instead of asking, why doesn’t he stop?

White Ribbon Day tomorrow is a male led campaign that focuses on violence against women.

'www.whiteribbon.org.au'

 “Domestic violence includes physical, verbal, emotional abuse, stalking, abduction and confinement, deprivation of culture and spiritual rights, humiliation, harassment, intimidation, denial of access to money, resources, isolation from support, sexual abuse and assault, including rape and incest, threat or actual abuse, and as part of the continuum of violence, murder.”         -NSW Women’s Refuge Movement

Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell, interviews the CEO of the NSW’s Women’s Refuge Movement Tracy Howe and Jennifer on leaving a domestic violence relationship. Listen to it here on the link below.

'Radio National Lifematters Leaving-Domestic-Violence Podcast'

 

 

AM

OUR OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER COVER GIRLS

 

Both the October and November cover girls are women that are seen to have that all encompassing power and command that women strive to achieve in their lives. That’s great, but then there’s love.

Miranda’s found it – good for her, but pre Bloom was Adrian Camilleri who was locked up for fraudulent behavior. And Jen, now engaged, but for years the media portrayed her as being ‘unlucky in love.’

Society puts a lot of pressure on both men and woman to find love. But what happens when Mr Right turns out to be Mr Oh so wrong. No matter how greater command a woman has on her life, when she’s in love with someone that becomes abusive towards her, it’s a painful mess of a journey before she is emotionally set free.

November’s issue of Marie Claire touched on domestic violence in the special report ‘Why I Finally Left’ by Sabrina Rubin Erdely. The article tells how Mary Clemons finally escaped her husband’s abuse.

November also marks White Ribbon Day on the 25th. White Ribbon is a male-led campaign to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate violence against women.

Their social media campaign gets people to submit an oath on the White Ribbon website. By submitting your name, you swear an oath to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.  Currently over 56,000 people have sworn this oath on the White Ribbon website.  

For October/November I’m highlighting White Ribbon and The Women’s Refugee Movement. I’m also cutting up both issues to collage postcards. I’ll keep ya posted

 

AM