cohealth's email footer during the 2018, 16 days of activism
​against gender based violence.  

Some facts to consider...

In Australia, one woman is killed by her former or current partner every week.  
(Australian Institute of Criminology Report 2015)

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"Question why?" (C) Güler Altunbas 1997-2016

  • "1 in 3 women has been a victim of physical or sexual violence, since the age of 15, by someone known to them. (2012 Personal Safety Survey, ABS)
  • 1 in 4 women have been emotionally abused by a partner. (2012 Personal Safety Survey, ABS)
  • 1 woman dies almost every week at the hands of a current or former partner. (2015 Australian Institute of Criminology report)"
                                                  Australian Government Campaign (2016) https://www.respect.gov.au
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"Question why?" (C) Güler Altunbas 1997-2016

​A shrine and memorial is required to commemorate those both living and who have passed R.I.P as they suffer(ed) and struggle(d) violent acts. 

Action needs to be taken on many levels.  Community members and society in general can demonstrate that, it wants to bring about change by taking responsibility towards zero tolerance of violence in its systems and laws. 
A shrine and memorial is necessary...
 According to Herman, public recognition of
​ trauma is required for healing.
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"Question why?" (C) Güler Altunbas 1997-2016

​Judith Lewis Herman born in 1942, is a psychiatrist, researcher, teacher, and author who's area of focus is on the treatment of incest and traumatic stress. ​According to Herman,

“The response of the community has a powerful influence on the ultimate resolution of the trauma.  Restoration of the breach between the traumatised person and the community depends, first, upon public acknowledgement of the traumatic event and, second, upon some form of community action.  Once it is publicly recognised that a person has been harmed, the community must take action to assign responsibility for the harm and to repair the injury.   These two responses- recognition and restitution- are necessary to rebuild the survivor’s sense of order and justice”[1].
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"Question why?" (C) Güler Altunbas 1997-2016

I believe that, in order for change to occur, we need to demonstrate many aims and objectives as a society:
​

1. By supporting and embracing survivors to be hopeful, courageous and reduce the isolation encountered.

2. Commemorate the loved ones gone.

3. To have justice and be seen as a just society.

4. To validate, acknowledge and admit that private violence occurs.

5. Identify how to problem solve and take responsibility for the wellbeing of survivors. 

6. Recognise our strengths and overcome challenges.

7. Act and resolve such problematic matters.
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8. A statue/monument/ plaque is placed in a prominent public space to represent recognition of what has happened to fellow community members.  In doing so, this demonstrates compassion and provides an anchor point for gatherings and getting together to contemplate and make a tribute.

9. To look into and question why there is silence and imposed shame around these issues.

10. News broadcasts in print, television, radio and digital/internet media to state the devastation of horrific crime and the loss of innocence and trust.

11. Lifting the lid of oppression, exploitation of the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

12. An apology and empathy by the community and society would have far reaching results as positive and progressive for all involved.
[1] Judith Herman,   The role of community in “Trauma and recovery” pp. 70. Pub. Rivers Oram Press/Pandora list, 1992,  London.
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