DV Network Looks Ahead
The Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network is looking to the future after more than 30 years of support and advocacy in the area.
At its recent AGM it elected a new executive team for 2024 with Anita Fisher from Hills Community Aid and Uma Menon from KNC sharing the role as convenors. Tara Gleig and Upala Sunthankar are taking on the role as the HDVPN secretary for the year. Treasurer is Aurelia Rahman and Publicity Officer is Pratibha Bhanushali.
MISSION STATEMENT: The core mission of HDVPN is to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the Hills Shire. The network’s efforts have led to significant strides in making the community safer and more informed. By hosting annual forums and events, HDVPN ensures that domestic violence remains a visible and urgent issue, particularly focusing on educating the younger generation.
Uma Menon said: “The HDVPN has been instrumental in bringing together the local community, community organisations, service providers, institutions, and the local police to create a united front to prevent and stop domestic violence for over 30 years.
“The network has worked to raise awareness on domestic violence through educational and interactive annual forums and community outreach. Members meet every month at the Hills Shire Council to share information and discuss current trends of domestic and family violence in the area.”
Anita Fisher said: “One notable achievement over the past year was the development of a Poster Awareness Campaign in The Hills Shire, which was a collaboration between the HDVPN, The Hills Shire Council and The Hills Area Police Command. Posters were created and placed strategically on the toilet doors of toilets in Rouse Hill Shopping Centre as well as changeable electronic street signs across The Hills Shire.”
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network (HDVPN) Coercive Control Forum will be held on 18th September: The free Forum will discuss coercive control at a practical level for the community as well as community services and frontline workers. There will be panel discussions, case studies and interactive Q&A.
Time: 11:30 am to 3pm at Rebellion Room, Castle Hill, Cultural Centre (underneath Castle Hill Library).You can register online : https://24HDVPNCCForum.eventbrite.com.au. The Keynote Speaker will be Paula Smith, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Expert
Panellists:
• Ann Emmanuel, Principal Solicitor, Immigration Advice and Rights Centre
• Sue Advani, President of SEVA International Inc and Board of Immigration Women’s Speakout Association
• Western Sydney Community Legal Centre (WSCLC)
Parent Forum – 22nd October 2024: Aimed at parents and guardians, this forum will provide crucial information on recognising signs of domestic violence and how to support those affected. Hills Says No to DV – 29th November 2024.
If you are interested in attending the free DV Forum on 18th September visit https://24HDVPNCCForum.eventbrite.com.au For enquiries email: [email protected]
