Jewish Care Victoria welcomes Royal Commission findings into family violence
Jewish Care Victoria has welcomed the report and recommendations delivered by the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Bill Appleby – Jewish Care
“It is extremely encouraging to see the Royal Commission removing the burden and blame from victims and placing accountability squarely on the shoulders of perpetrators,” Jewish Care CEO Bill Appleby said.
“Equally important is the recognition that family violence comes in many forms. Although violence against women is the most common, recognising other areas such as seniors, CALD communities, violence in the LGBTI community, faith communities, people with disabilities and violence against men and children, indicates that this Royal Commission has taken an inclusive and comprehensive approach to combating all aspects of family violence,” Mr Appleby said.
Earlier this year, Jewish Care welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence and put forward 5 key recommendations, one of which being that the Royal Commission recognises that the needs of minority religions differ from culturally or linguistically diverse communities and require an approach that actively engages ethno-specific agencies in planning and implementation.
Mr Appleby commended the report for its views and recommendations relating to faith communities, and acknowledging and understanding the specific and different needs of ethno-specific communities and the needs of women from these communities.
“It is the view of Jewish Care that despite the best endeavours of previous governments, the current family violence service system is fragmented with inadequate resources directed toward supporting women and children from the Jewish Community who have been affected by family violence.
Significant gaps remain in accommodation options for those attempting to leave violent relationships and a lack of support and therapeutic services offered to women and children in the aftermath of family violence that are both sensitive to and able to engage women and children from the Jewish community.”
“Jewish Care applauds the Royal Commission for its stance aimed at highlighting these gaps and advocating for change,” Mr Appleby said.
The report also placed great emphasis on mainstream service providers to have well-trained staff who are “equipped to identify, and in some cases, assess and manage risk, and to ensure that victims are supported.”
This view aligns strongly with Jewish Care’s recently published Family Violence Position Statement, which demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to the prevention, increased awareness and support of victims of family violence. The Position Statement highlights that the organisation will ensure that “its staff are trained in recognising family violence, understanding its potential impact and responding appropriately.”
Jewish Care would welcome the opportunity to contribute to future discussions with the Government that seek to provide further clarity about the needs of the Jewish community, or in relation to any policy or funding considerations in the area of family violence.
The Andrews Government promises to implement every recommendation and saying that “there can be no more excuses” is an encouraging start to tackling what is one of this country’s most significant social issues.
Mr Appleby said: “The task ahead is enormous; the cost to implement is great. But whatever the cost and enormity of the challenges, the rewards will be ten-fold if we achieve a safer, healthier, more just and cohesive Australian society.
To be fair, Bill Appleby looks a nice bloke in the attached photo, but, c’mon mate, where did yourse guys learned to speak the English more clearer and more to the point !!! I remember in me youth, in the 50s and 60’s mambo being the latest craze, but the mambo-jumbo of the statement above is beyond the pale.
1st I reckon Jewish care is doing an excellent job in respect to its mission within our community, perhaps one of the best – if not THE best – self styled and organised group attending WHATEVER problems discussed by the said Royal Commission.
All Bill had to do was to bring out the FACT that we are an ethnic- ethic-responsible community, we know what are doing, BUT we need the mezuma from the Governments simply because we carry out a large burdensome social responsibility which is ALSO within the very gambit of STATE obligations.
Reckon these young roosters need a bit of shlepping in the shmate game – as I had to do – and learn to sell a “product” !!!